By Mencap
Celebrations and recognition at the Stars of Learning Disability and Autism Awards
Hosted by our brilliant ambassador and Traitors star, Alexander Dragonetti, the debut awards shone a spotlight on the extraordinary people and
organisations
Organisations are groups like companies and businesses.
who go above and beyond to support people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
and
autism
Autism is a disability. Autistic people find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel. They also find it difficult to tell people what they think and feel. Everyone with autism is different.
. Building on the success of the Stars of
Social Care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
Awards and the Stars of Children & Young People Awards, it was a truly inspiring evening of celebration.
A special congratulations to John Phillips MBE, our outgoing Chair of Voices Council, who was awarded The Lived Experience Champion Award
John, aged 71, has a learning disability and double
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
, and has spent his life advocating for others. He founded John’s Club on the Isle of Wight, creating inclusive social opportunities for people with a learning disability, and supports clients through daily challenges. As Chair of our
Voices Council
The Mencap Voices Council are a group of 12 people with a learning disability. They share their views and experiences to help Mencap's Board of Trustees make decisions.
, John has used his lived
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
to inspire change, promote
equality
Equality is when everyone is treated fairly.
, and ensure the voices of people with a learning disability are heard at every level of decision-making.
Our Executive Director of
Strategy
A strategy is a plan to show what an organisation, or a person, wants to do and how they are going to do it.
and Influence, Jackie O’Sullivan, attended the awards and said, “The first-ever Stars of LD and Autism Awards was truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see so many people from across the sector recognised for their incredible work. Their passion and commitment make a real difference to the lives of people with a learning disability and it was wonderful to celebrate their achievements.”
We’re also celebrating all of our brilliant colleagues who were nominated:
- Ciara Lawrence, Engagement Lead – The Co-Production Champion Award
- Ismail Kaji, Parliamentary & Government Engagement Officer – The Voice Amplifier Award
- John Phillips MBE, Voices
Council
A council is also called a local authority. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
– The Lived Experience Champion Award - Jane Turton,
Service
A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support.
Manager
A manager is a boss at work. They tell you what you need to do and give you support if you need it.
– The Amazing Manager Award (North) - Samuel Efejuku,
Support Worker
Support workers are people who are paid to give care and support to people who need it.
– The Superstar Support Worker Award (Midlands)
It was an unforgettable evening, recognising the incredible dedication of everyone working to make a real difference for people with a learning disability and autism. We’re so proud of our colleagues and all the nominees – your hard work, compassion, and commitment inspire us every day.
To find out more about our work and how you can support people with a learning disability, visit www.mencap.org.uk.
To learn more about the Stars of Learning Disability and Autism Awards, visit www.ld-stars.co.uk.