Vibrance Supports Service Users Journey to Rio Paralympics
A Vibrance service user is in with a shot of representing Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Seated Shot Putter, Rob Womack, from Southend, has started a fundraising campaign to pursue his aim of representing Great Britain at the Paralympics in Rio this year and winning his second Paralympic medal.
Rob is looking to fundraise up to £12,000 to cover the costs associated with participating in the games, including training, travel, accommodation and coaching.
Leading social care charity Vibrance, supports Rob with direct payments and personal budgets in order to help meet his social care needs. Vibrance also helped match Rob with his current PA, Simon McCoy, who has supported Rob for over five years.
Ilford based charity, Vibrance, supports 400 people in traditional services throughout London and the South East with learning disabilities and mental health issues, offering a range of community day services, low-support housing, nursing and care homes, short breaks, supported employment, as well as supporting 1,500 people in self-directed services.
Rob has been selected to represent Great Britain as a member of the Paralympic team numerous times since 2006, competing in various countries, including, Holland, New Zealand, France and Great Britain.
Speaking of representing Great Britain, Rob said: “It felt absolutely fantastic to represent Great Britain and win a bronze medal at the London Paralympics. I had just missed out on taking part in the Beijing Paralympics, so I worked incredibly hard to be part of the London Games.”
Intense training is underway, with Rob training at least six days a week with his PA, Simon. Speaking about his PA, Rob said: “Simon and I have such a great relationship, and we spend a lot of time together. I definitely consider him to be part of the family now. Simon shares my love of sport, and he helps me to keep fit. I really couldn’t do it without him.
“I have dealt with a number of PA organisations in the past, but I have not always had a great experience. Vibrance are absolutely fantastic, and I know that they are always on hand should I need their help. I am thankful to Vibrance for their help over the last eight years, and support in my latest fundraising campaign.”
The Vibrance LinkMeUp PA register is fully searchable to help find the perfect match for people’s needs, including location, availability, experience or interests. Vibrance also provide a range of services, including support planning, brokerage and financial account management. For help finding the right support, visit https://www.linkmeup.org.uk/.
If you would like to support Rob on his journey to Rio, you can donate at https://www.pledgesports.org/projects/2016-paralympics-funding-rob-womack/