Stephen’s story

Stephen lives at Coleshill Road in Birmingham, and is passionate about fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. With the support of his key worker, Stephen was involved in the 2011 Hardest Hit’ demonstration in London, travelling from Birmingham to voice his opinion on government cuts. He says: I was thrilled to be part of the Hardest Hit’ march in London.

Stephen is also one of the original members of the West Region’s FitzRoy Forum, established to give the people we support a real voice in the organisation. They talk about a wide range of subjects, such as what’s happening where they live, how they want to be supported, what’s wrong with their environment or support, and how this can be improved. Ideas and comments are then fed back to the Directors and the Trustees.

Stephen says: I have been involved in the Forum since it started, and I enjoy the meetings and seeing other people who are supported by FitzRoy. I like being involved in meeting Trustees. We talk about what affects me and others like me.

For Stephen, like so many people with disabilities, it is vital for him to be included in decision making, and have his voice heard by people within FitzRoy and the wider community.

He says: It is important to me so that people know what we want for ourselves and in our services.