In September we held our Excellence Awards ceremony at Hampton Court. The Excellence Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our colleagues across SeeAbility, with a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond to support people to live, love, thrive and belong.

The nomination process

Our colleagues, those we support, and their family and friends were eligible to nominate colleagues for an award. The stories we received illustrated a clear passion and drive to support SeeAbility’s mission of delivering ambitious support for people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss. 

Our awards this year were competitive - thank you to everyone who submitted nominations! Whilst we can’t issue awards to everyone, please know that your contributions are not going unnoticed, only serving to strengthen our mission. 

Each nomination was reviewed to identify those which best demonstrate our values: 

• Respect is our starting point 
• We spark imagination 
• We learn together to be our best 
• We believe in each other 

A panel of the people we support, colleagues, trustees and our Senior Leadership Team cast their votes. An additional award was given for our ‘Volunteer of the Year’.

Respect is our starting point

Winner - Rebecca (Deputy Manager) 

Rebecca received numerous nominations for her unwavering commitment to the people we support, their families and our support teams. Her enthusiasm and dedication enabled those we support (who previously lived in long-stay hospitals) to speak again and aim for higher ambitions in their lives.

Winner – Sarah-Jane (Deputy Manager)

When Sarah met Jessie (who we support) she was struggling with her mental health and was afraid to leave the house. Following consistent support from Sarah on a 1-1 basis, Jessie had the confidence to take charge of her own life and pursue her dreams, including having a baby with her partner!

We spark imagination

Winner – Scott (Head of Engagement)

Scott was nominated by Matt, who Scott inspired to become an Associate at SeeAbility, where he could advocate for people with disabilities. Matt was concerned that his social anxiety would hold him back, but Scott used his lived experience to build Matt’s confidence on a 1-1 basis. Matt is now a lively member of the Associate Team, campaigning for disability rights across the UK! 
 

Winner – Kelly (Senior Resourcing Partner) 

It is crucial that we recruit support teams matching the needs, requirements, and requests of people we support. This ensures our colleagues will stay and grow their careers at SeeAbility, enabling consistent support for people to live ambitious lives. Kelly’s contributions led to higher levels of recruitment and lower agency use, assuring family members that their loved ones receive the best support possible. 

We learn together to be our best 

Winner – Alex (Support Worker)

Susan, who we support, was going through a difficult time and losing weight to an unhealthy level. She felt upset about her body image and became withdrawn. However, by working closely with Susan and her family, Alex’s gentle support enabled Susan to become more outgoing, including going on a holiday and regaining weight. Susan’s sister, Beverley, commented that Susan’s life is ‘a lot more pleasant and calm’ due to Alex’s support.

Winners – Mikey’s Support Team

Before Mikey was supported by SeeAbility, he was withdrawn and isolated. His health began to suffer, and he wanted to live a fuller life. Mikey’s team were ambitious, taking positive risks and introducing him to new experiences. After consistent support, Mikey is living a positive, fulfilled life. He uses public transport, shops, exercises, and has been supported to enjoy a family holiday. You can find out more about Mikey's story in this year's Impact Report.
 

We believe in each other

Winners – Kennington Support Team

Jason* has spent years in and out of long stay hospitals. His team worked hard to help him build a life outside hospital - they refurbished his home, recruited new colleagues, and established a healthy, balanced diet. Through their compassionate support, he has lost weight, makes his own decisions, and is building stronger relationships with his family. 
*not his real name
 

Winner - Grace (Eye Care Champion)

Grace, who has been supported by SeeAbility for several years, wanted to further her ambition of securing paid employment. Her lived experience of sight-loss had impacted her confidence, but this only strengthened her resolve - she wanted to channel her experience into a job where she could make a difference. In 2019 she became an Eye Care Champion and in 2023 delivered a lecture at the Optix Conference to a room of over 1,000 eyecare professionals! Her work has ensured that people with learning disabilities have greater access to eyecare services. 

Volunteer of the Year Award 

Winner – Summer Dickins (Volunteer, Engagement and Listen Up! Teams) 

Anyone who has met Summer agrees she has an infectious smile. She’s always the most enthusiastic person in the room, inspiring others to volunteer and support SeeAbility. Summer has promoted SeeAbility’s mission statement at university lectures, gym chains and even Google at their Accessibility Discovery Centre. Scott Watkin, her manager, commented:

‘Summer is a shining light for everything that we stand for and achieve. [She] reflects everything that our Listen Up Team represents.’ 

Many congratulations to our award winners!