If you're a fan of The Traitors, you'll no doubt have been watching the latest celebrity series. Set in a spooky Scottish castle, The Traitors is a game of lies, deception and trust. One person who knows the castle very well is Series 3 winner Jake Brown.
Ahead of World Cerebral Palsy Day, on Tuesday 6 October, Jake, who has cerebral palsy himself, spoke to us about being true to yourself and embracing who you are. Watch this video for his tips, and then scroll down to find out more about cerebral palsy.
Jake: Hi, I'm Jake Brown, season three winner of the Traitors. You mayalready know this, but I was born with cerebral palsy , whichaffects my right arm and right leg. It affects things like balance,coordination, muscle stiffness, grip. And growing up, I'm notgonna lie, it was hard. But not because of my disability . It wasmore me accepting me for who I am. It took me a lot of years togain that confidence and meeting people similar to me, who hadwalked in my shoes and dealt with adversity that made merealize my disability can actually open up a lot of doors ratherthan cause them. I actually want to thank my disability . Becauseof that, I've been able to have so many amazing opportunities anddo such amazing things that I could never dreamt of. I playedfootball for the cerebral palsy football team. I've won theTraitors. I've done talks around the UK, inspiring the youngergeneration about confidence, about being comfortable in yourown skin. And it's almost like I'm talking to my younger self andthat is amazing. So talking of confidence, self-acceptance andbeing comfortable in your own skin. Here are my top tips. Tipone. Be kind to yourself. Usually our harshest critic is our innervoice, we're often telling ourselves we're not good enough. Tryand talk to yourself like you're talking to a good friend. Be kind.Be supportive and you'll get better results. Tip two is not caringwhat other people think. When we're young, we're often wantingto be liked and accepted. But no matter what, you can't pleaseeveryone. You're best off is doing what's right for you and yourdreams. Those that matter don't mind and those that mind don'tmatter . Tip number three is don't compare your path and yourjourney to someone else's. Comparison is the thief of joy .Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and we're allon different timelines. If you're going to compare yourself toanyone, compare yourself to who you were yesterday and that ishow you measure progress. Tip four is perfection doesn't exist.You will make mistakes. You will get things wrong. And it's okay .It's not failure, it's learning. You don't have to have everythingfigured out. The main objective is to be comfortable in your ownskin and to just accept who you are, and then you'll thrive.
Jake's tips for being true to yourself
Growing up Jake, who has cerebral palsy, said that he was ashamed of his disability and tried to hide it. He also kept his condition private during much of Series 3 of the Traitors, before opening up to his fellow Faithful Alexander, when discussing playing for the England cerebral palsy football team.
Now Jake wants to help raise awareness and promote a positive attitude towards disability. He says he is proud of his cerebral palsy and the opportunities it has given him in life, he hopes to encourage young people to be true to themselves, whether they have a disability or not. Here are his tips:
1. Be kind to yourself
Sometimes we're our own worst critic. Jake says: "We often tell ourselves we're not good enough." So he encourages you to try and talk to yourself like you're talking to a good friend, be kind and supportive. Being kind to yourself can have a positive impact on your wellbeing, we have lots more tips for being kind to yourself and others ahead of World Kindness Day on 16 November here.
2. You can't please everyone
Jake says that when you are younger you often want to be liked and accepted, but he suggests that you can't please everyone; so you should do what is best for you and your dreams. Jake notes: "Those that matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter."
3. Don't compare your path to others
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and everyone will have different journeys to get to where they want to in school and in life. Jake says that you shouldn't compare your path to that of other people: "Comparison is a thief of joy."
4. It's okay to make mistakes
According to Jake, perfection doesn't exist and everyone will make mistakes, but that's okay. He says that the key is to: "Be comfortable in your own skin and to just accept who you are". If you can do that, Jake believes you'll thrive.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that can affect how a person moves, controls their body and communicates. According to the organisation Cerebral Palsy Sport, approximately 160,000 people in the UK have the disability.
Signs of the condition usually become apparent from an early age and can include delays in reaching milestones such as sitting, or walking. Other symptoms can include having weak arms or legs, random or uncontrolled movements and walking on tiptoes.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy and how severe they are can vary significantly, some people require life-long support, whilst others can live independently. Not everyone with cerebral palsy uses a wheelchair, and the condition affects different people in different ways.
What causes cerebral palsy?
The NHS says that cerebral palsy is caused by a problem with the brain that develops either before, during or soon after birth. Causes can range from an infection caught during pregnancy, to reduced oxygen supply during birth. The NHS states that in many cases the exact cause of cerebral palsy may not be clear.
Can cerebral palsy be cured?
Cerebral palsy can't be cured, but people with the condition can have treatments to help keep them active and independent. Treatments include physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, but there are also some medicines and surgeries that can help the condition. SCOPE, the UK's leading disability equality charity, says that in general, people with cerebral palsy will have the same life expectancy as anyone else.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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