A Cumbrian charity will hold an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of youngsters living with a learning disability.
People First, based in Carlisle, will hold the awards for the young people who have graduated from its courses.
The ceremony will be held at the city’s Halston on July 18 and will see over 200 guests from across Cumbria come together to mark achievements, hard-earned qualifications, and exciting new beginnings.
People First chief executive David Blacklock said: “We are incredibly excited to launch our inaugural People First Awards and believe that when Cumbrian people, and Cumbrian businesses, work together we can create real opportunities which have the ability to change lives.
“We all want a fair chance; and we all want to be respected. This ceremony is a celebration of what can happen when we give people living with learning disabilities a chance, and the support, to develop their skills and abilities.”
The People First Awards celebrate those enrolled at the organisation’s Centre for Learning. It supports people with learning disabilities in gaining accredited work-based learning.
Through courses including People First’s Hospitality Academy and Best Life programme, the organisation supports its learners to build the skills and work experience they need to become work ready.
Lou Townson, trustee of People First, said: “Too often opportunities are not available for people living with a disability. From my experience, I know that it’s the assumption that ‘this isn’t for you’ or ‘you wouldn’t be able to do that’ that stops people pursuing their goals.
“If I think back to when I was younger, I remember feeling other people’s low expectations and the effect that can have. A ceremony like this, the qualifications it celebrates and the aspirations it supports are life-changing and I’m looking forward to being a part of it as a host and a trustee of this organisation.”
