Claire Morgan 18/09/2026 Member StoriesNews

Well hi again everyone, yes, I am still around and I know I haven’t done a diary update for a while, but my everyday life is busy and there’ve been big changes too!

I am in the process of having my flat revamped and refreshened with some paint and new furniture.  Last February I celebrated 6 years of living on my own –  I do still pinch myself with it all and how much not only have I loved it but also all the major milestones and improvements small or big that I have made.  

I lived at home with my family before moving here and it was my decision to live more independently.  I moved in just before the Covid lockdown though, so that was a challenge.  I do have some support here – I need reminders about things to keep me on track!

In other life updates both my niece and nephew are now in comprehensive school together, she’s just started year 9 and he’s has started in year 7, I still remember them being little and looking after them every week but I’m super proud of them as they both absolutely love school and are both playing rugby at a high level for their years! I will be giving them biggest hugs when I see them soon as I haven’t seen them in over a year.  They still want to come and see their Auntie Chloe – they say I am the best Auntie! So family life is busy but good.

Work wise big things have happened and changes have come about. We now have a successor who has taken over the role of Co-Chair of the Learning Disability Steering Group for the Reginal Partnership Board and she will be attending her very first meeting next week.  I will do a handover with her – I think the most important things to tell her will be don’t worry and don’t rush!  She will be the person with the lived experience of a learning disability, and she will need to make sure that people listen.  Most of all she should enjoy it though.  I learnt so much in that role – about how to speak in front of people, how to chair meetings and got experience of travelling to different places.  So I can officially say my bye for now and thanks to the RPB.

In other work news in April of this year after knowing that my role with the RPB would be coming to an end, I got to stay with Cwm Taf People First as they have given me the role of their Ambassador and I’ve become the new face for them to keep the word going about self-advocacy and carry on the torch that Lynne Evans started so amazingly all those years ago. I still am having moments even today where I pinch myself thinking this is all a daydream but that I get to do it and am proud to do so. 

I helped organise the Vivafest celebration earlier this month.  Vivafest stands for Voice, Inclusion, Vision and Advocacy and we hold the festival every year. 

On the day it was held, I was also marking the 26-year anniversary since I was badly mauled by a dog.  I was only little and it was a terrible experience and I was badly scarred.  I did eventually get over my fear of dogs, but it was a very hard thing to learn.

I am still a member of the CARE (Centre for Adults Social Care Research) Lived Experience Collective, and we are celebrating the start of year 4 for the collective;  we also have new members including Simon Richards from Cardiff People First.  The lived experience members’ roles are to share experiences from work and personal stories to ensure that social care is done the best way possible.

In other big work news, a few weeks ago I went along to Prince Charles Hospital to be the star in their new video called “How to keep a Healthy Smile” for their New Dental Surgery Unit. We showcased the changes they have made for people with disabilities such as making sure that there are no long waits, staff won’t be wearing hospital gowns etc, to make it a better experience. The film should be done, and I have just given them a title they may use. As soon as its up I will be able to share the behind the scenes and the video on Cwm Taf People First Socials and I will be able to share it more as well.

So yes, it’s been some major changes but amazing ones that I still can’t believe I get to experience and do in my life, but I am so looking forward to Christmas now and having some fun after working hard and now get to play hard and have fun with friends work friends and family!