Lifeways’ Diversity Council deputy chair shortlisted for Nottinghamshire’s Proud to Care Awards
The deputy chair of Lifeways’ Diversity Council, Marc Jones, has been shortlisted for Nottinghamshire County Council’s very first Proud To Care Awards!
The awards, which celebrate the work done within the county’s adult social care organisations, have seen over 280 nominations for 12 categories. Marc’s shortlisted in the ‘Champion of Diversity’ category.
Marc, who’s also a team leader in our Nottingham-based supported living services, was nominated by his area manager, Gina Evans, for his work to ensure we are an inclusive employer.
Raising awareness
Although Lifeways’ colleague-focused Diversity Council is not yet one year old, Marc’s already been busy raising awareness for the government’s Access to Work programme, which provides financial grants and additional support for workers with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities.
Marc credits his own needs to shaping his involvement in colleague inclusion. He’s used his dyslexia to help our Learning and Development to adapt our online training, ensuring it’s more accessible.
Marc’s input to our online training courses now means that colleagues feel more supported at work – which translates towards even better support.
‘A disability may actually be a superpower’
“I’m very honoured to have been nominated for this award,” said Marc.
“When I was younger, I saw having dyslexia as a weakness, or a disability. But the people I support have taught me a very important lesson: sometimes, what looks like a weakness is a strength - and a disability may actually be a superpower,” added Marc.
“These days, I go to work proud that I’ve helped my colleagues with training and additional access to support.”
The 12 award winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony on 12 November, in Nottingham’s Eastwood Hall conference centre.
Fingers crossed for November, Marc!
About Lifeways:
Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.
We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.
Lifeways delivers support across three divisions: supported living, residential and mental health services.
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