MATT Price, Sports Inclusion Coordinator for Warrington-based social care charity, Community Integrated Care, has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Newcomer Award’ at this year’s National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards.
Organised by social care publication, Care Talk, the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards celebrate excellence in support for people with learning disabilities and autism, and the individuals or organisations who go above and beyond in the sector. Winners of the awards will be announced in a special awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Friday 30th June 2023.
The Newcomer Award is awarded to someone who is new to the sector, having started work in social care over the past 12 months, and who has achieved amazing things.
Matt started paid employment in social care as a Sports Inclusion Coordinator with Community Integrated Care in August 2022. In his role, he co-produces new physical activity solutions for people who have learning disabilities, inspires people to become more physically active, and works with leading sporting agencies to champion opportunities for people who have support needs.
Having a learning disability himself, Matt has already drawn on his lived experience to inspire hundreds of people with learning disabilities to engage in sport, gain new skills, and access once-in-a-lifetime opportunities by providing mentoring, support and direction through community programmes and international sporting events.
Matt’s successes so far have included supporting thousands of people to get involved with the Rugby League World Cup 2021, mentoring people through an online media club to gain qualifications and practise their talents, starring in an accessible exercise video for a national campaign with Sport England, and coordinating a life-changing experience for people with learning disabilities to enjoy a sports day with the England stars.
Matt said, “I am so honoured to be shortlisted for the Care Newcomer Award. My role with Community Integrated Care has really changed my life in ways I never imagined – I’ve gained confidence, made new friends and developed so many new skills. To be up for an award for my work on top of all this, is the cherry on the cake. I’m so proud and feel really privileged to be helping to change people’s lives in my job. I can’t wait to celebrate at the awards with the other finalists!”
Community Integrated Care is also up for three further awards on the evening: The Employer Award, the Breaking Down Barriers Award for the charity’s team of expert Quality Advisors, and the Sporting Chance Award, recognising the charity’s partnerships with major sporting events.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships & Communities at Community Integrated Care, said, “Matt’s well-deserved recognition is a testament to his remarkable qualities. His unwavering passion for creating a positive impact, commitment to personal growth, and exceptional ability to connect with others, make him an invaluable asset to both Community Integrated Care and the wider care sector.”
“Matt has faced and conquered significant challenges in his life, and today he embraces a life brimming with independence, new experiences, and the pursuit of his passions. By openly sharing his lived experiences with people who draw on social care, he is playing a pivotal role in inspiring others to find hope, pursue their dreams, and strive for their best life. Matt’s outstanding efforts already make him a true winner in our eyes.”
“We are also thrilled to have received three other incredible nominations at the awards, including for our ground-breaking Inclusive Volunteering Programme with Sport England. This is a clear result of our charity’s efforts to provide real inclusion for the people we support – both in steering the direction of our charity’s services, and in accessing new and exciting volunteering opportunities which change lives.”
Community Integrated Care employs 5,000 colleagues nationally. To find out more about the charity’s vacancies, and what it’s like to work for Community Integrated Care, visit www.workincare.co.uk
