Coby Graham X Royvon Dogs Home X Boabach CIC

Coby’s Committment to Animal Care

Coby Graham joined our Bridgend centre in 2022 at the age of 17. He has learning difficulties and became part of our programme to gain life skills, meet new people, build confidence, and improve his communication. Through the curriculum, workshops, guest speakers, and various wellbeing trips, Coby formed strong relationships with both staff and peers.

Coby achieved Essential Skills Application of Number 2 and 3. He also received an award in employability Skills and IT Users Level 1. Coby completed these awards at his own pace and he was supported by various staff members throughout his journey.

Angela Price, Coby’s Learner Coach, provided him with pastoral care, guidance, confidence building support in a nurturing environment.

Joseph Melhuish, Coby’s Youth Tutor, undertook differentiated class activities, core subjects, and confidence-building workshops to suit Coby’s needs within an inclusive learning environment. He incorporated Coby’s interests and sporting activities to encourage peer interaction and engagement, helping to build positive relationships

Hannah Walker and Gareth Williams, Coby’s Employability Officers, guided him into a suitable placement that took his individual needs into account. They provided clear communication and set expectations, offering regular support and visits to help ease him into the working environment with ongoing moral support.

Once Coby felt ready, he began sampling a variety of industries as work experience to help build his confidence, communication skills and CV.

He joined Royvon Dogs Home, Margam Country Park along with Boabach CIC. They provided Coby with an insight to the working environment, by helping him contribute to his community and meet new friends.

From this experience, Coby felt confident to apply for his first job and he got it! We congratulated Coby with a gift at his workplace ‘Solo Laundry’ at Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam. Coby was excited to share with the team all the new friends he had made and the people he was now working with from his village.

Area Manager, Ruth Sainsbury commented: “it has been a pleasure to observe Coby through his Itec journey, his confidence and communication skills have grown and his self belief has improved. He has become more independent through each placement and has learned a lot of new skills along the way. We are very proud of the young adult he has become as a result of the support my staff have provided”.

We are bursting with pride for Coby. He has overcome barriers with the support and guidance of his Youth Tutors, Learner Coach, Assessors, and Employability Officers. Although Coby is missed at Itec Skills and Employment in Bridgend, he is now confidently walking his new path in the working world.