Courtney Giles

I am studying Childhood, Education and Society Studies at University of Warwick with a particular interest in children with special needs and theatre for children. I have a passion for inclusion which I have followed through in my voluntary work. I am a volunteer at Epsom and Ewell Phab, a club providing inclusive activities for disabled and non-disabled children and have been since 2009. As a volunteer on club evenings, holidays and trips I facilitate young people in various activities enabling them to take part on equal terms. I am also a Youth Achievement Award Group worker having introduced YAA to Epsom Phab and completed my Youth Achievement Platinum Award. Whilst at University I also help at Kenilworth Phab, a group for disabled and non-disabled adults. In 2012 I was awarded the Louis Goldberg award in recognition of outstanding work and achievement in fulfilling Phab’s aims. I am also winner of the NUS UK competition “I am the Change” 2012, which came about when Epsom Phab was under threat of closure at the end of 2011. Winning the competition enabled us to run a highly successful campaign aimed at securing the future of our club. As a result of I am the change; I have spoken at NUS conference 2012 and Activism 2012 about our campaign.