Celebrating those who go the extra mile
News release issued:
A celebration of organisations and individuals who go the extra mile for others in the district has been held at Wyre Forest House.
The No Barriers Awards was organised by Wyre Forest District Council and recognised local businesses, organisations and individuals that have provided significant access, service or employment possibilities for people with disabilities. They also celebrated those who have given particular consideration for the wider needs of people within the community.
The winners were:
- Al Dixon for his work with Cookley Warriors Pan-disability football club,
- Blossom Tree Café which offers students at Wyre Forest School the chance to gain working life skills,
- Caroline Jones who works with Our Way Self Advocacy helping people with learning disabilities and autism,
- Denise Bedrock who has been volunteering with Wyre Forest MS Society for 40 years,
- Kidderminster Hospital’s League of Friends café for their support and dedication to special needs students,
- The care team who support Paul Hamilton-Cox to enable him to live independently,
- The team at Nightstop, Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire for empowering young people to reach their full potential,
- Special Steps who provide childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities,
- St George’s Hall Community Café for their work to provide a place where special needs children feel safe and understood,
- Corinne Bowden, Di and Phil Hemming, Gabi Wooton and Richard Paton who all provide unwavering support to individuals in the district.
The first No Barriers Awards were held in 2008. They were set up in memory of Councillor Mike Oborski, who initiated the project. Mike’s wife and chair of the awards panel, Councillor Fran Oborski presented the awards and this year she also spoke at the event to talk about her experience as a recent wheelchair user.
Councillor Fran Oborski said:
“I have been using a wheelchair now since the end of November 2024. It has taken a fair bit of adapting to, but it has been made easier due to the kindness and generosity of others. I am continued to be supported by members of the community and the difference it makes to my life is immeasurable. These are exactly the sort of people No Barriers celebrates. It was a wonderful evening highlighting the fabulous contribution our winners make to providing an inclusive community. They enhance the lives of others, and I hope they know how much we appreciate what they do.”
