Northamptonshire support group for dads of disabled children wins national charity award
A support group for dads of children with special educational needs in Northamptonshire has been announced a winner at a national awards ceremony.
SENDS 4 Dad won the Friendship First category of disability charity Contact’s Awards on Monday (24 November). It was received by founder Paul Meadows and members Mykel Swaine and Scott Bedworth. The awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements and quiet heroism of families with disabled children across the UK.
During the ceremony SENDS 4 Dad was praised for their commitment to reducing isolation by providing events and activities for dads with special educational needs in Northamptonshire.
Paul Meadows said: “Winning the Friendship Award from Contact is a monumental achievement for SENDS 4 Dad, but it means so much more than recognition. It is a powerful moment for all the dads and male carers out there who are often the overlooked heroes in the special educational needs and disability (SEND) community. This award is a testament to the fact that their unique challenges are seen, their dedication is valued, and that together, through friendship and shared experience, no one has to walk this journey alone.”
During the evening they met and were congratulated by Lee Barron MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire.
Anna Bird, Chief Executive at Contact, said: "Huge congratulations to SENDS 4 Dad for their wonderful win, which is so well deserved. Our awards are an important reminder that families with disabled children play an incredibly important role in our society, not only caring for their own family, but also often supporting a wider community with their insight, knowledge and compassion.”
“It was an extremely moving and exciting evening and I want to applaud all the winners and runners up in Contact’s Awards. What sets Contact apart is that we understand what parent carers face every day. Not only shining a light on families, but helping them navigate the education, health and benefits systems, with our invaluable advice.”
Contact’s Awards event was hosted at the House of Lords by Lord Young of Cookham and was attended by over 100 MPs and families. Government Minister for the Department of Work and Pensions, Stephen Timms was also in attendance.
Find out more about SENDS 4 Dad here: www.sends4dad.org.uk/about-2/