ECL Woodlands Crafty Drama receive accolade at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards

ECL Woodlands Crafty Drama attended the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards last week as finalists in the ‘People’s Award’ category. While they did not win, they did receive a special commendation from the judges and were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in their category for making a difference to the lives of the customers that they support.

The judges stated that the Crafty Drama team “…show a passion and desire to make a difference.” As well as commenting that they “..clearly have a vocation in supporting complex individuals, and a wish to make them involved and empowered. This approach has made a difference in the lives of those supported.”

Run by Learning Disability Customer Care Assistants Robert Kutner, Jane Woodwards and Maddie Lawrence ECL Crafty Drama gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn social, communication, motor, and life skills through the use of Makaton sign language, music, dance, and drama. This inclusive drama group provides a welcoming and safe space for anyone with learning disabilities to have fun, learn new skills and make friends.

Robert, Jane, and Maddie were nominated for the award by Service Manager Taleena Goody. Speaking about the commendation she said: “Congratulations to the team on this achievement. They are so deserving of this recognition - they do such a wonderful job, and our customers love them. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to showcase the amazing work that they do at the national finals of such highly regarded industry awards.”

The National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards celebrate excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and aim to pay tribute to those individuals or organisations who excel in providing quality care. They represent all areas of care and support for people with learning disabilities and autism within the care sector.