Michelle Harris

Said the following about Phil Coleman:

“Phil hasn't worked very long at Wye Ticket office but he has made the station his own. He recently agreed to have a work experience placement, but this wasn’t just an everyday placement, it was someone with special needs and by doing this he has made some changes in this person life. Please see comments from one of the relatives of this person

I'm overwhelmed by the positivity all round. It started of course with your immediate 100% commitment when I first broached the subject with you during our telephone conversation. My relief was incredible. Significantly neither Alice’s school nor subsequently her college had been able to secure placements in previous years!

Alice has lived her life with support from my mother and I. I can tell you without any stretch of the imagination, Alice has never been so relaxed during her school/college life as she is with the prospect each morning on her drive to Wye station.

Alice is somewhat reserved. We ask her how her day has gone? Alice typically says "Yeah, alright". Then a couple of minutes may pass and Alice will comment on something that happened during her shift. That's then followed by "Oh! ......" and she's off and we receive an enthusiastic blow by blow account for the day.

Alice told us of a blind man Monday (lost railcard and purchase of a ticket) and a security walk round the station Tuesday (coordinated by Network Rail Crossing Keeper Pete). Alice went to the station this morning with a positive mind-set.

Both Phil and Pete have created a sound foundation on which Alice will, I'm sure, draw confidence and develop new skills.

A huge thank you to all that are contributing to the success of this project.

Phil has been very supportive throughout her placement and as his manager I’m very proud of what Phil has done as not many people would of agreed to take this on.“