Congratulations to a group of people we support from our Meeting Together Forum who travelled to London this week to collect their medals at the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders List Awards!
These awards are an annual event featuring a range of inspiring stories about an even wider variety of autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities, who are taking a lead in their lives and making things better for themselves and others.
Mark, Clare, Kenneth, Michael, and Andrew attended – plus Josie with her mum and sister. Thanks to all our staff who supported the group during their outing to the capital!
The group were also able to pick up the medals and certificates for the Bromborough Pool Cafe Team, who were similarly recognised as Autism Leaders in the national awards.
Julie and Alison, who run the monthly Forum, shared a diary of their grand day out…
“We travelled on the 8.43am train from Liverpool, so it was a very early start to the journey! Julie brought breakfast to have on the train.
“We survived the London Underground, getting two trains to the O2 Arena. Once we arrived, we signed in and were given a goodie bag and had a photo taken and enjoyed a drink, then had lunch in the venue.
“During the first round of awards Mark, Michael and Andrew supported by Alison and Callum went up to receive the award on behalf of Bromborough Pool Café team in the Local Communities section. The award was judged by Jemma Clancy and Nigel Hollins and presented by Daniel Wakeford alongside the famous Radio DJ and autism champion Ken Bruce.
“We then had an interval break to get some refreshments before the second half of the show!
“The entire group went to the front to receive their awards for the achievements of the Meeting Together Forum in the category of Work & Education. The judges for this award were Stephen Lewis and Hannah Butcher, while the award was presented by Ken Bruce and Daniel Wakeford.
“After the awards we headed back braving the London Underground at rush hour – it was no mean feat!! Once at Euston station we got a selection of meal deals to enjoy for our tea on the train.
“Everyone fed back that they’d had a really good day and loved every minute of the trip. Josie was able to travel back with the group which was nice for everyone.
“We would just like to say how incredibly proud we are of the Meeting Together Forum and all the work that they do – well done team!”
Michael, one of the people we support who attended the awards, even took the time to send an email to Julie about his day out in London, saying:
“I had a good day in London, yesterday, 24th April. I enjoyed getting my awards for forum meeting, and enjoyed seeing other people get their awards, and seeing the world of autism and learning disabilities, the train journeys were a bit long but I enjoyed them, and I enjoyed the food and drink.”
Michael.
We hope you enjoy our gallery of photos from the day, below…
