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Surrey Choices Celebrates Disabled Adults’ and Partnership Working at Celebrating Success Awards Ceremony

23rd June 2023

 

On Wednesday 7 June 2023 Surrey Choices celebrated disabled people and partners at annual Celebrating Success Awards at Denbies Wine Estate. Family, friends, and colleagues came together to recognise this year’s winners in beautiful surroundings.

Celebrating Success

The Celebrating Success Awards highlight the achievements of people supported by Surrey Choices. The judging panel was comprised of colleagues across each service from Surrey Choices. They were impressed by how each of the winners had overcome challenges, achieved new goals and were inspired by the way they demonstrated the values at Surrey Choices.

The awards also recognised employers and organisations Surrey Choices works with in the community who have created supportive and inclusive environments, where the winners and many others have improved their skills and wellbeing.

Winners

Winners were recognised in one of four award categories: Health and Wellbeing, Independent Living and Life Skills, Friends Relationships and Communities, and Employment, Volunteering and Vocational Learning.

Charlotte was one of the award winners for Independent Living and Life Skills Award. When her Employment Support Specialist, Lizzie Ayres, met Charlotte for the first time, she found out she had never left home without her parents before. Fast-forward a year and now she accesses all her work placements by herself, she attends her hobbies like dance class on her own and has grown so much within herself. The transformation has been amazing, and Charlotte is so proud of herself.

The awards also recognise partners that Surrey Choices work with. The Useful Wood Company won the Working in Partnership with Employers Award. They demonstrated unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace, where they made people feel valued and welcomed while expanding their skill sets within a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Reaction

Jerry Ratcliff, Chief Operating Officer of Surrey Choices, expressed his feelings about the event stating:

 “On behalf of Surrey Choices, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the Celebrating Success Awards 2023. Everyone has shown tremendous determination and resilience, and their accomplishments deserve to be recognised and celebrated. We are proud to support and empower people to reach their full potential, and these awards highlight the incredible journeys that have been undertaken.”

Impact

The Surrey Choices Celebrating Success Awards not only recognise individual achievements but also inspire others to strive for their own goals and aspirations. By showcasing success stories, the event encourages a more inclusive society that values and supports people with disabilities and additional needs. You can watch all the winners on our YouTube page here.