Sense

A big thank you to the Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms and his team for visiting Sense College Loughborough to meet with students and staff, while finding out how the college supports disabled young people.

Emily can't believe the news! Emily was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer, but she's not giving up. We're honoured to present Emily with the Young Person of the Year Award. Emily said: "You should never stop trying, never stop believing, never give up, life is for living and I intend to live mine to the full.”  🌟 [Video description: Emily and her family are all sat together, her dad hands her a present to open then Emily is opening her present and pulls out her Sense Award, everyone is smiling toward the camera and posing with the award.]

Congratulations Virgin Media O2 for winning our Partner of the Year Award! As a part of the partnership, VMO2 are championing disability awareness across the organisation by running knowledge sessions, staff training, promoting volunteering and using their customer networks to highlight the importance of Sense's work. Thank you for all of the support! [Video description: A woman is stood wearing a black top and a beige blazer facing the camera. She is talking while holding the Sense Awards trophy which is clear with a wooden base.]

What secret have Sense been keeping from Eden? Eden has been volunteering to support two disabled buddies despite a long COVID diagnosis which means she can't leave the house. “I’m so honoured and delighted to win this award!" [Video description: A facetime video of Eden and her buddy, her buddy has smiley faces surrounding her video and Eden has presents and balloons. Eden is smiling a lot towards her screen.]

Why is Mum so proud of Elle? Elle was born deaf and recently started losing her sight. Determined to still achieve big things, she's just completed the London Marathon for Sense. Ellie is our Fundraiser of the Year! Well done, Elle! 🌟 [Video description: The first shot of the video is a facetime between Elle and her mum, Elle’s mum gasps and looks shocked as Elle shows her Sense Award. The video then goes back to a video of Elle talking to her mum before announcing that she has won and ends on a shot of Elle laughing.]

Why's everyone an emotional mess over Jamie?! Jamie's volunteering at the local gym, helping two other visually impaired people to work out, is learning to play the guitar, to cook and to dance. We're delighted to present him the Sense Award for Person of the Year! 🌟 Congratulations Jamie! [Video description: The video begins with Jamie spraying champagne in the garden surrounded by lots of people. Then it returns to Jamie being surprised with his award in a room with blue balloons. A confetti canon is let off shooting multi-coloured confetti all over the room. Jamie hugs lots of people at the end of the video.]

What's in the envelope from Sense? Meet our superstar Family Carer of the Year Bryanna! 🌟 10-year-old Bryanna has been helping care for her disabled mother since she was three. A huge congratulations Bryanna! [Video description: Bryanna and her mum are sat on a chair in their home. Bryanna's mum is crying as she reads that Bryanna has won her Sense Award. Bryanna is so happy she runs off screen and jumps around, she continues to throw her teddies up in the air and laugh.]

This Safeguarding Week, we’re recognising that disabled people do not always have the chance to learn about keeping themselves safe. A pilot project with students attending Sense College and day service used gestures, masks, and non-formal communication to explore how recognising ‘No’ is as valuable as understanding ‘Yes’. Thanks to Birmingham’s Fairer Futures Fund and VAMOS THEATRE COMPANY for making this possible, and thanks also to the Ann Craft Trust for inviting us to speak at your AGM on 18 November. https://lnkd.in/ehK_KmBS

What a fantastic day celebrating with CEMEX UK on our incredible partnership! In September, a brilliant team of Cemex cyclists took on an ambitious challenge, cycling over 400 miles over 5 days. Their hard work and determination have raised an amazing £18,087.45! Cemex is also taking important steps towards becoming a Disability Confident employer, with the support of Sense. Together, we’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace for people living with complex disabilities.

We’re delighted to announce that we have appointed a new chair, Mark Cammies, who will take over the role from 12 December 2024. Mark Cammies, incoming chair of Sense, said: “I’m delighted to build on Justin Molloy's great work as chair of trustees at Sense and continue to grow the organisation as a force for positive change. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Justin for all the incredible work he’s done for the charity – I have big shoes to fill!”