SLSW Carers Kim and Chad Chadfield are celebrating being selected as finalists in the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards in the

Carer category.

The awards are a chance to say “Thank You” and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Paul, who used SLSW services and lived with the Chadfields for many years before recently moving onto a more independent setting, wanted to nominate them to celebrate the great support they offered to him and to many other young people.

SLSW got involved and made the nomination.

finalist

Both Kim and Chad were thrilled to be announced as a finalist, but were in shock when they received the news.

“At first I thought it was a wind up,” said Kim.

“We are always playing practical jokes on each other, so thought that’s what this was. I got emotional when I found out the news.”

They have supported Paul to deal with his bowel condition, worked with him to learn to read and write, assisted him to get a job, helped him learn to save and with his finances. He’s also learnt to cook.

moving out

Thanks to their incredible support Paul has now moved into his own flat, which Kim and Chad helped decorate and overhaul.

“When we support people we say it’s like building a house. You have to build the foundations to get to the next level, else you get stuck and can’t learn more or move on,” said Kim.

“We were told Paul would never learn to read or write or make something of himself, and now look at him, he has done so well,” added Chad.

Kim and Chad will now go to Truro Cathedral for the awards ceremony on September 1.

“There are thousands of amazing carers out there that do great work and deserve this award, so to even be nominated is special,” said Kim.

Here their story here.

You can also read more about Paul moving out here.