Guests from across the county gathered to celebrate the People First Awards this week in a unique awards ceremony for Cumbria.
The ceremony, held at The Halston Hotel in Carlisle, on Tuesday evening, celebrated the achievements of young people with learning disabilities and autistic people and saw over 200 guests join learners, family and friends to mark achievements, hard-earned qualifications, and exciting new beginnings.
People First CEO, David Blacklock said:
“It has been fantastic to see businesses, local leaders, families and of course our learners all connecting at this event. The world and the workplace is a better place when we all get to be a part of it. Events like this shine a light on the successes that people with learning disabilities and autistic people can achieve when they are given opportunity. With the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, and a community of partners, I am excited to see what our new Creating Careers project can do to help people achieve their goals and transform their lives through work.’
Mike Deans of Borderway Finance, Headline sponsor, said:
“We’ve worked with People First for over two years now and we were delighted to be asked to be part of this event. Together we have been working to raise awareness of People First and the amazing work that they do in our area. The Awards have been a great event and it’s been good to see such a buzz around building further awareness for the learners to try and help them get out into the wider world and gain real-life experience and opportunities.”
Creating Careers
The event also launched our new and innovative Supported Employment service, Creating Careers which aims to support 200 people with a learning disability and autistic people secure and succeed in permanent paid work over the next 3 years.
Creating Careers is funded by The National Lottery Community fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other partners. It’s a brand-new approach to supported employment which puts partnership with local businesses at its heart.
Lindsay Graham, People First Director and Co-host for the awards said:
"What we’re looking to do is change things. We want to challenge the status quo, to help businesses find employees that have so much to offer; and help people with learning disabilities and autistic people get the jobs that they want. These two things are one and the same.”
Lou Townson, Trustee of People First and co-presenter of the awards added:
“I really enjoyed the event, and it has been wonderful to see so many businesses in attendance supporting the learners and People First staff. I felt very proud when I was asked to co-host the event with Lindsay and to see so many of the learners building confidence and be where they are now I think is fantastic.”
The full list of award winners and their sponsors are:
- Connie Dodds - Increased Confidence Award sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd
- Imogen Weekes - Team Player Award sponsored by Dodd & Co
- Catherine Quilter - Above and Beyond Award sponsored by Jill Glencross
- Natalie Davidson - Most Improved Award sponsored by Thomas Graham
- Mia Jepkes - Rising Star Award sponsored by InterFresh
- Jonathan Solomans - Self Advocacy Awards sponsored by Paramount Legal Costs
- Thomas Graham - Placement of the Year Award sponsored National Lottery
- Keith Atkinson - Placement of the Year Award sponsored by National Lottery
- William Sewell - Deeper Connections Award sponsored by Reeds
- Kristie Wilson - People's Champion Award sponsored by David Allen IT
- Chris Armstong - Learners' Choice Award sponsored b Newcastle Hospitals
- Alfie Whittle - Learner of the Year Award sponsored by Pirelli
We are profoundly grateful to all our sponsors who made this year's event possible.
To find out more about the People First Awards or opportunities for business partnerships, contact [email protected]
Congratulations to all our 2024 graduates and award winners.