Hi my name is Chris Shaw and I am working at Parent to Parent in Nambour. I am writing this column for the newsletter to discuss my rights and my choices.
I have always wanted to travel overseas and when I was 22 I was able to do this without my parents. I discussed the trip with my parents and friends to decide where I would like to go first and how I was going to travel when I got there. I was excited and a little nervous going overseas but this was my choice and I was really looking forward to everything.
Before heading off to the UK I needed to organise my passport, book my flights and my bus trips and my accommodation. Making these decisions made me feel independent. At the airport airline staff helped me onto the plane and when I arrived in London staff were there to help me again. They listened to me and made sure I was safe.
I met a friend who was travelling around the UK and we went on a bus tour together. When this was over I stayed in London for a couple of days then I went on a train trip to the top of England to stay with some friends for a while. I travelled on the train and really enjoyed the scenery. I was very proud that I could do this on my own and it made me feel confident and proud. I could make my own choices and it all worked out well.
It is important to know that you are able to make your own choice about things that matter to you and that your rights are respected. I hope that everyone reading this is able to do that.