Owen stakes his claim to be Your Champion

ARUNCORN man with cerebral palsy has been nominated for Champion Person of the Year.

Owen Ashworth, 23, has already been recognised for his impact on how healthcare is delivered in Halton with an Innovation Champion Award.

He works as an administration assistant in the communications and engagement team at NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

He has now been nominated in our Your Champions awards after winning an award at the North West Adult Learners’ Week Awards For Health And Care for widening engagement with residents, influencing the design of a new urgent care centre, and producing easy-to-read information leaflets.

Owen, who speaks with the help of a Tobii – similar to Stephen Hawking – said: “In my own personal view the participation and engagement with people who are classified as vulnerable, is the most important function of a CCG.

“This is because for some people with disabilities like learning disabilities, change is difficult, which causes nervousness.

“There is frustration with the system caused by the fact that the majority of the time disabled people have the solutions but can’t be heard.

“For example a patient will know where there are defects with the system and this is knowledge which could have a tremendous benefit to the NHS as a whole.”

Owen’s manager, Des Chow, said: “Owen has brought a different feel and culture change.

“The importance has been really brought to the fore as we are including all disabilities and other vulnerable group issues to the way we engage, plan and commission.

“Commissioners always come to him for advice and guidance on approaching, engaging and empowering the public and vulnerable or not yet reached groups.

“He is very bright and very ambitious. He has passed AS with flying colours in the past year, having started late after joining a college, is now taking A2 exams and is aiming to be a barrister or MP.”

She added: “I have no doubt he will go far and the world is his oyster.”

Owen received his award from Innovation Agency director of communications and engagement Caroline Kenyon.