A new awards scheme recognising those who support families with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) announced its first winners at the John Pounds Centre as part of Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live.
The Portsmouth SEND Appreciation Awards is a brand-new scheme that recognises the positive impact of individuals and groups across the city who support children and young people with SEND up to the age of 25 years old.
Organised by Portsmouth Parent Voice, the awards scheme raises the profile of services as well as awarding those who go above and beyond to help families. The shortlist and winners were chosen by a panel of parents/carers, young people and professionals.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:
“It was an honour to hear the inspiring accounts of the shortlisted candidates and winners at the awards ceremony. It gave us a chance to pause and reflect on the immense contribution they all make to the lives of children and young people with additional needs in our community.
“I would like to thank everyone for their incredible efforts to support some of the city’s most vulnerable people.”
Connors Toy Library won the Support for Families Award in recognition of their work lending over 10,000 toys to the community, helping children learn and develop through play.
Sarah Lehmkuehler, electoral services registration officer at Portsmouth City Council won the Co-production Award for her work in making voting accessible for young people with SEND. Co-production means listening to people’s ideas and experiences, and making changes based on what they say.
Enable Ability won the Support for Young People Award. They help people with severe disabilities as well as those whose needs are at a milder to moderate level. The group support approximately 500 children and adults in Portsmouth.
James Donougher, project leader at Enable Ability said:
“Winning this award is a tremendous honour and a powerful reflection of our commitment to supporting young people in Portsmouth.
“We’re deeply passionate about our work, and that passion shines through in the heartfelt nominations we’ve received.
Their stories inspire us every day and remind us why it’s so important to be there when young people need us most.”
The Community Choice Award gave people in Portsmouth the chance to nominate someone who has gone the extra mile. There is no overall winner in this category. Instead, everyone who was nominated received a certificate to recognise their efforts.
The awards took place during Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live, an event that connected families with services supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The event featured 28 exhibitors, including council services, community groups, and public health teams. Two talks were delivered on managing big emotions and supporting parents and carers with childhood anxiety.
For more information about Portsmouth SEND Local Offer, visit www.portsmouthlocaloffer.org.