Efforts to aid disabled are honoured
INDIVIDUALS and organisations who go “above and beyond” to improve the lives of disabled people have been given awards.
Their efforts were recognised at the 10th anniversary celebration night for the Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People (BCDP).
Held on Friday at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend, the evening also celebrated a decade of success for the BCDP during which chairman Simon Green said Bridgend county had become a much more accessible place.
He said: “Members of BCDP have also helped influence matters nationwide having taken part in Welsh Government consultation events and many have had opportunities to raise issues on local and national TV.”
More than 180 people attended the event, including Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones, Ogmore MP Chris Elmore, AMs Huw Irranca-Davies and Dr Dai Lloyd, Bridgend Mayor Reg Jenkins, 2016 Miss Bridgend winner Emma Khammaneechan and the founder of the National Diversity Awards Paul Sesay, who had travelled from Liverpool.
There were also many people representing various groups including the Bridgend branch of the Stroke Association, Bridgend Deaf Club, Bridge-Vis, Mental Health Matters and Every Link Counts.
Fourteen awards were given out to:
Kevin James and Gareth Jenkins from Tondu Shooting Club for their assistance in helping blind and partiallysighted people shoot at their Visually Impaired Shooting Range. Also Kerry Davies, who works at the same facility helping stroke survivors take part in shooting competitions.
Richard Howe, a Heronsbridge School teacher, was thanked for the work he does with the Herons FC and Inclusive Football.
Jill Grange, from the National Autistic Society, was recognised for helping to get young disabled people involved with inclusive sport and helping to open a Splash Time swimming club.
Follow Your Dreams Technology Club, based in Pyle Life Centre, was thanked for helping to raise awareness about many issues effecting the autistic community.
Susan Williams from Porthcawl, a British Sign Language interpreter, was nominated by the health board for her volunteering work to raise awareness about issues affecting the deaf community.
The members of Every Link Counts, a learning disability group based in Maesteg, presented volunteer Doug Davies with an award.
Vaughan Jackman from Coity works for Premier Taxis and drives a wheelchair-accessible taxi and a number of wheelchair users put his name forward to say he goes out of his way to