Hello, my name is Vicky
Farnsworth. I work for Speakup Self Advocacy as a trainer and a representative on the local subgroups to the Learning Disability Partnership Board. I am also one of the elected representatives for the
Yorkshire and Humber Region to the National Forum of People with Learning Difficulties.
Because I have a paid job, I am also able to claim child and working tax credits. These are paid directly to me. Two years ago I was able to buy
my own small house. It was really exciting, I learnt how to budget and I pay my own mortgage. Sometimes its hard to pay all the bills but I manage and I feel that I have really achieved something for
myself.
I have a full time job at Speakup and I have worked for the organisation since I was 16. I am also a single mum and I have
lovely daughter called Alicia, who is now 5.
I love my job and I think I am pretty good at it. To make sure that I could do my job, first of all I did lots of training. I
learnt how to give presentations and I gained credits through the Open College Network for this work. I am a confident person and I have lots of good ideas and strong opinions. I also listen to what other people
say, so I think I make a good representative. It's very important to speak up and say what you think. Then people can see that you can make decisions for yourself.
