Ailbhe’s Story
Blossomed over the years
We first met Ailbhe at Blossom Discovery camp in 2016. She was a shy quiet girl who only gave us glimpses of her personality and sense of humour. As Ailbhe progressed to our weekly programme for teenagers Blossom Buddies (now Blossom Explore) she became more confident and independent and that’s when we really got to know her and to benefit from her fantastic sense of humour!
Ailbhe’s mother, Eithne, recently wrote that: “Ailbhe absolutely loves the interaction with her peers and all the staff of Blossom Ireland. They go on numerous trips with a view to teaching them all independence regarding safety, eating out, spending money and using public transport.”
“She has gained so much confidence and independence from the Programme. They have organised such fantastic Workplace Tours and given her an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in different environments (a restaurant, an art gallery and a bank, to name but a few). This is something that is not available to her at the present time in any other organisation she is involved with.
Ailbhe is 18 now and will join Blossom Connect where she will receive individualised support from our Transition Planning Coordinator to plan for life after school.
Watch this video to find out more about Ailbhe
“Ailbhe absolutely loves the interaction with her peers and all the staff of Blossom Ireland. She has gained so much confidence and independence from the Programme.”