High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire recognises community contribution made by Reach Learning Disability’s Voice and Participation group

The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire has recognised the community contribution made by adults with learning disabilities.

Reach Learning Disability recently hosted High Sheriff Nick Rubins at its Flower Pod Newark site, joined by Ed Attenborough, who will take over the role next year.

He presented awards to members of Reach’s Voice and Participation group, in recognition of their valuable community service.

Nick Rubins, The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire said: “Reach is a wonderful charity, run and managed by some amazing people. I love the fact that the charity completely immerses itself within local communities and by doing so breaks down barriers. Their work, including the Voice and Participation Group, really changes the lives of people with learning disabilities by really listening to what they need and surrounding them with love and care.”

The Voice and Participation group comprises ten adults with learning disabilities, each of who has volunteered extensively, delivered training on online safety, contributed to staff and volunteer training, interviewed job candidates, and organised recruitment coffee mornings.

Group members also volunteer within Reach’s five centres and in the community.

The group is now focused on addressing the high risk of poor health among adults with learning disabilities.

Awards were also given to Kay Greenwell, Reach project worker, and Adrian Hartley, Reach trustee, for their support of the group.

Julia Sandhu, Reach’s fundraising director, added: “Everyone at Reach is very proud of the Voice and Participation group’s achievements. Each individual is a wonderful role model who has demonstrated how people with different abilities can help improve the lives of others.

“We thank the High Sheriff, Nick, and Ed for taking the time to visit us to recognise the group’s contribution to their community.”