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