Hi! My name is Emma, I’m 18 years old and I’m currently doing my A-Levels.

In my spare time I like to listen to music, use the internet, chat on msn, read, go out with friends and go to the cinema.

The reason why I wanted to become involved with the Powerful Voices Network is because I want to make big changes in the way society sees people with disabilities. For many years people with disabilities have been discriminated against even with the disability discrimination act being put into place in 1995. Nevertheless disability discrimination is still out there and the message about being equal is struggling to be put across to society. Despite all of this I’m hoping that the Powerful Voices Network can get equality for once and for all.

Hi I’m Ian. I’m 24 and originally from Liverpool. I enjoy socialising with friends; playing video games and I also enjoy mythology, particularly Greek and Roman.

I live in Cumbria along with my mum and 2 younger brothers, I also have a sister who lives in Liverpool with my Dad and Step-mum. The main reason I joined the Powerful Voices Network steering group is because I thought I could use my knowledge and experience to help others, lend a voice to those who can’t or may not have the confidence to speak for themselves and help others speak up for issues they feel should be addressed.

Hi, My name is Jayne. I am a 2nd Year student at Beaumont College. I am on the Powerful Voices Network Steering Group and I also work on the Powerful Voices Magazine. I enjoy being part of them both.

Hopefully being part of the Powerful Voices Network will make me more confident when I’m outside and away from the College when I talk to people.

Hi, my name is Johnathan, I am at College part-time studying German & Spanish.

I work part-time at Adult and Community Services in Preston.

As well as being on the Steering Group for the Powerful Voices Network, I am on the White Cross Equal Opportunities Steering Group.

I enjoy going to the Powerful Voices Network Steering Group meetings. The meetings, among other things are a great opportunity to socialize. I really hope that we will be successful in achieving our goals of influencing service providers and campaigning for equal rights.

My name is Thomas and that is how I like to be called. I am 16 going on 17 years old, and I go to High Furlong school in Blackpool. I enjoy working with all my friends in class.

My hobbies are supporting Manchester City and Morecambe football clubs; I also love playing tennis on my Nintendo Wii with my Mum and sister, but my real interest in sport is snooker!!

I became a member of the Powerful Voices Network because at one of their event they were asking for more volunteers, and I thought it sounded excitiong and something that I would like to do, and I am really glad that I am a member of the steering group.

Hi, I am Mandy I am the oldest person on the team but I’m not telling you how old!!! I am the project co-ordinator for the Powerful Voices Network. I started work on the project on the 26th of February 2007.

I enjoy meeting my friends and going out with my family, I watch too much telly but like reading as well. I enjoy my job as I have always thought that young people don’t always get a say in what happens to them. I have worked with young people before as a volunteer and a paid worker. I think young people with additional needs have a lot to say and I want them to share their experiences with each other and with people who work with them. I think we can make a difference and improve access to services if we all come together.

Hi, I’m Catherine, I’m 21, and I’m the Project Development Worker for The Powerful Voices Network. I enjoy going out with my friends and catching up on all the gossip.

I love my car, my dog and my computer, I like Facebook at the moment for keeping in touch with all my old school friends. I really enjoy working for the Powerful Voices Network, I like all the people I work with which is always a good thing, and we get to meet new people all the time as well. I really believe in what the Powerful Voices Network stands for and I really hope that lots more young people will join the Network, give their ideas and raise their issues so that together we can help to change things for the better.