TEENAGERS with disabilities in St Helens are demanding a say in the way services and leisure opportunities are provided for them.

According to a new report called 'What's it like for me?' produced by a group of local 12 to 17-year-olds, young disabled people want to be given the chance to join in planning services and an involvement in interviewing staff who will work with them.

They also called for the appointment of an independent advocate who will help them access services and support.

In the wake of the report, the local Health Action Zone has funded a two-year post for an advocacy and children's rights worker to work at Barnardo'' Wider Horizon scheme in St Helens.

'What's it like for me?' was organised by Barnardo's Wider Horizons worker Ken Williams in conjunction with PSS Children's Rights Co-ordinator Liz Dodson and representatives from the Coalition of Disabled people.

They brought together eight disabled young people who met regularly over 15 weeks to highlight their own experiences and outline how they would like to future services developed.

Ken said: "Copies of the report have been sent to senior managers and local councillors. The young people will be seeking to meet these decision-makers at a later date to discuss their findings".

One of those who compiled the report, 17-year-old Ashley Hughes: "We think it would be a good idea for young people to take part in planning services. We also think it would be helpful to have an independent person who would support young people in meetings or when we need advice or support".

The report was undertaken as part of the Government's Quality Protects initiative. For further details and copies of the report, contact Ken on 01744 731113.