Transition to Adulthood – ‘Yes I Can’
Are you a young person aged 14-25 living with Duchenne? Would you like to;
- learn to drive, or find out about accessible sport?
- get practical information about applying for the benefits you need and how to access support?
- how to budget and mange your money?
- find out what job or training opportunities are out there?
- do more travelling or go to a festival?
- build your confidence and make friends?
Have you dreamed of living independently but you don’t know where to start? Do you struggle with your mental health or feel anxious? Have you wondered how to employ your own team of PA’s? Do you want to take charge of your health care? Do you have ambitions that you need more support to achieve? Would you like the opportunity to talk about your experiences with others who really understand?
You are invited to join a network of young 14-25 year olds across the UK who live with Duchenne to learn from the people who’ve been there and done it. You will also have experts at your fingertips to help you make it happen.
We’re transforming transition for the future, are you with us?
Join our online sessions
We have run 3 programmes of online sessions over 2022 and 2023. We’ve focussed on different aspects of life with Duchenne and have had a mixture of expert speakers, lived experience and social sessions. We’ve been joined by Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance, Treloar College, The Money Charity, musicians Alex James and Sanjeev Mann. We also had a focus on well-being and mental health with sessions run by psychologist Dr Linda Bouquillon and our Support Officer Kelly.
The ‘Yes I can’ sessions give you the opportunity to meet other young people living with Duchenne, to develop friendships and to create a network of support for each other.
“Music has really helped me to live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy… I create music for fun and to help others, with the aim of leaving behind a legacy that lasts for generations” – Alex James
Feedback from Yes I Can Online
“Independence doesn’t mean you have to live on your own, it means feeling able to do what you want to do” Ravi, Yes I Can Project Lead and living with Duchenne
- 100% said that they enjoyed meeting others with Duchenne
- 100% told us that they felt more positive about what they can achieve
- Most young people said that they knew more about where to access help and support
- 100% would recommend ‘Yes I Can’ sessions to others
During our 2023 International Conference, young people living with Duchenne and their siblings accessed our Hang Out are and had a chance to take part in gaming workshops run by MindJam, music with Rokzkool and Art Therapy, as well as plenty of lego building! The Hang Out is an amazing opportunity to build relationships, gain skills and talk to those who really understand. Save the date for our 2024 Annual International Conference where our Hang Out will be even bigger and better: Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November 2024.
Residential weekends
Over 2023 we combined our online sessions with residential weekends, enabling young people to participate in a variety of amazing activities alongside others living with Duchenne. They’ve experienced independence and friendship alongside developing vital skills and building self esteem.
“It’s brilliant to be able to do things here that I can’t do in every day life”
Archie, aged 19 who lives with Duchenne
These weekends are what our project is all about – supporting you to live your best lives and achieve anything you set your minds to!
2024 Sessions coming soon
We know that with the right encouragement, tools and positivity, you can realise your aspirations and create a bright future. Our 2024 sessions are being planned and we’ll get details to you as soon as we can – watch this space!
We can’t wait to support you in the next part of your journey.
Thank you
Action Duchenne would like to thank the following sponsors who have provided financial support for these projects but have no involvement in these projects, and all the individuals whose contributions helped to make these projects happen:
The National Lottery, PTC Therapeutics, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sarepta, Pfizer and Roche.