Celebrating a win at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 

Team members and people we support attended the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards on Friday 19 June at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham. There were five finalists recognised, and we’re pleased to celebrate Stephen Adamson, for winning in the category ‘Sporting Chance’. 

The ‘Sporting Chance’ category recognises, “a person or team who have worked creatively to develop sporting activities in which people with learning disabilities and/or autism can choose to participate and enjoy.” 

Stephen works with peer advocacy group Campaign 4 Change and is passionate about sports, ensuring people with learning disabilities and autistic people have equal access to sports opportunities.  He trained as a sports coach with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation to obtain a Football Association (FA) Level 1 qualification.   

Stephen has run gentle exercise sessions for older people with learning disabilities who find it more difficult to exercise – the sessions have been a great success and have inspired many to enjoy being active. He has supported the delivery of annual national athletics championships for adults with learning and physical disabilities, with over 200 competitors receiving medals from a Paralympic champion, Olivia Breen.  

Additionally, Stephen has taken steps to encourage others to prioritise positive mental wellbeing. Stephen has shown great perseverance in the face of different obstacles and has developed his confidence and self-esteem throughout his time coaching and now encourages his peers to do the same. He has gone out of his way to help others by running regular ‘Walk n Talk’ sessions, where people from different care services come together to walk, enjoy nature and develop friendships while Stephen leads a mindfulness session. 

Stephen shared, “I am proud of winning this award. I really enjoy my involvement in sports and seeing the benefits sport can bring to others in terms of their physical and mental health. Also to see people making new friendships, it means so much to me.”

Director of Wellbeing, Strategy & Collaboration Michael Fullerton added, “’I am delighted for Stephen on gaining this award. It is so well deserved, for his commitment to inclusive sports opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Stephen has used his sports coaching experience and skills to support people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. I am so proud of his achievements!”   

We are also pleased to have been finalists for the following: 

• The People’s Award (Team) 
  Shane Long and Jonathan Merritt, for their incredible commitment to increasing d/Deaf awareness as part of Campaign 4 Change. 

• The People’s Award (Individual) 
  Simon Tobin, for his significant impact as Autism Trainer and Ambassador, Co-Chair of Unity and Oliver McGowan Co-Trainer. 

• Breaking Down Barriers 
  Coproduction Team, for their passion and commitment to embedding co-production across the organisation. 

• The Learning Disabilities Nurse Award 
  Michael Fullerton, for his admirable work across the organisation as Director of Wellbeing, Strategy & Collaboration. 

Congratulations Stephen and to all the finalists recognised at the awards!

Read more news.