Wakefield District Learning Disability Awards 2023: Achievements celebrated during Learning Disability Week

Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership is proud to have celebrated the achievements of people with learning disabilities during Learning Disability Week (19-25 June 2023).

Residents living with learning disabilities and their families were recognised for their great achievements at an awards ceremony on Thursday 22 June.

More than 70 nominations were made across six categories – Making a Difference; Contribution to the Community; Promoting Learning Disability Awareness; Promoting Change; Most Creative; and Celebrating Achievements.

The awards were handed out by Wakefield Trinity players Mason Lino and Kelepi Tanginoa.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “I would like to say congratulations to all the winners and those nominated for an award. It is wonderful to be able to recognise your many incredible achievements.”

The decision was also made to present an Outstanding Achievement award – after one of the judges, Catherine Horbury, received an unprecedented number of nominations for her contribution to the learning disability community.

Her efforts reflect the core values of inclusivity and empowerment, leaving an enduring mark on the lives she touches.

One of her notable contributions is her instrumental support in improving the health of people in the local community. She played a crucial role in introducing a surgical pathway that makes sure everyone with a learning disability is listed for surgery within eight weeks.

She is also actively engaged in raising national awareness about this pathway, aiming to inspire other NHS Trusts across the country to adopt similar measures.

Her involvement in the Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board, self-advocacy groups, and the development of the Learning Disability Strategy has shown her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

Catherine said: “I am proud to be able to represent people from the community and show how people with learning disabilities have our own strengths – give us the opportunity and we can show you what we can do.”

The Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership includes NHS organisations, Wakefield Council, Healthwatch Wakefield, housing, voluntary and community sector organisations.