Claire's journey with CHAS transitions

The CHAS transition team has been working with young people between 18-37 years old to support them with their transition from CHAS to age appropriate services. Since 2004, when this work began, we have met many inspirational people along the way, who are getting the most out of life and working hard to achieve their goals despite their disability.

We hear from the inspirational Claire D’All who transitioned from CHAS’ services five years ago. Claire will be speaking about her experiences at the Showcase.

"When I started to go to Rachel House I was 13 years old and continued to visit until I was around 19. At first, I was a bit apprehensive about visiting, however, as soon as you step foot through the door you feel more than welcome, and it soon becomes your home away from home. I loved my time at Rachel House and I’m happy I got the chance to stay all these years, I went to T in the Park, bowling, cinema, shopping, local fairs and more importantly had freedom I didn’t have at home. I was able to stay up as late as I wanted to, and then lie in bed in the morning, as well as have the full support I needed.

The years that I went to Rachel House were stressful years during my education, from studying for all my exams, applying for university and the general stresses of becoming a teenager. I always felt supported by CHAS through all these tense times and whenever I needed someone to discuss matters with there was always someone available to chat. No matter the issue, personal or educational, I was given all the resources I needed to help, they even supported me on my first holiday away with friends but that is a whole other story, and even at 23 I know that they are still there for support and advice if I need them.

There’s still a long way to go to reach the goals that I made when I first started with the transition team, but I feel that being involved with CHAS gave me the opportunities to get there. It’s great there is childrens hospices out there like Rachel House to support children and young adults with life-shortening health issues and their families, however much more is needed when you come to the age to move into adult services."