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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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Author: Scott Watkin

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