Stories & news Blogs Feeling honoured Hi everyone and a happy new year to you. Wishing you all another great year. Firstly I’m going to talk to you all about my British Empire Medal which came as a massive shock to me. I never ever thought I would get this sort of recognition. I am honoured and proud. Surprise! At the end of November, I received a letter from the cabinet office at my home address. I was very intrigued by the envelope so I sat down to open it. It said I was going to be awarded a British Empire Medal for my work in learning disability services. My name would appear on the New Year Honours List. I started crying and had to take this in. I could not believe it but I was very proud of myself and what I have achieved. When I was younger, I was told I would live in a care home and now I am married and live independently. I was also told I would never have a job but I have proved people wrong. I will continue to make sure people with learning disabilities have a voice and can make a difference. I had to keep this really quiet and I only spoke to my mum and manager at work. We had lots of conversations on how I could handle social media and the press. So I did some thinking about what I was going to say to them and did lots of interviews over the phone! Family pride My family are thrilled and my mum said: “I would never have thought Scott would get this much recognition for his work. I have seen him grow in confidence and he works very hard to give people with learning disabilities a voice. We are very proud and would like to congratulate Scott.” I still think there is so much more to do and receiving the honours will mean that I will do more and more to speak up for people with learning disabilities. I have not expected to achieve so much in my life so I would like you to read some of the tweets people sent me. We're absolutely thrilled for @scottwatkin who has been nominated for a British Empire Medal 🎖 in the #NewYearHonours list. Scott has been rightly recognised for his tireless work in the disability community.Read more 👉 https://t.co/BlG4QlHxoe pic.twitter.com/xssF0s6Yo0 — SeeAbility (@SeeAbility) December 30, 2017 Congratulations Scott @scottwatkin Fabulous news you have been recognised for all you do for those with a learning disability and for us at @NHSEngland — Jane Cummings (@JaneMCummings) December 30, 2017 Congratulations @scottwatkin on your honour for all the work you have done for people with learning disability. Well done Scott from Lewisham Speaking Up! https://t.co/jIKxltUpNL — Lewisham Speaking Up (@LewSpeakUp) December 30, 2017 Finally, I would like to thank you all for your support over the years to support me whether you’re a friend or a colleague. Scott