The Incredible Life Recognised: A Finalist Journey in the 2025 Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards

We are delighted to announce that "The Incredible Life" by Natalie Dewhurst has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards. This recognition represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism in Northern Ireland.

The Significance of the Awards

The Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards stand as the premier celebration of excellence in the field of learning disability and autism support across the United Kingdom. These awards have become a benchmark for quality and innovation in the sector, recognising outstanding contributions from individuals and organisations who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.

The awards programme, which has separate regional ceremonies across the UK, holds particular significance in Northern Ireland, where it highlights the unique challenges and achievements within our local context. This recognition serves as a testament to the growing awareness and importance of specialised support services in our community.

Our Journey to Recognition

"The Incredible Life" has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Our nomination and subsequent selection as a finalist reflect years of dedicated service, innovative approaches, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of our community members.

The journey to this recognition has been marked by:

• Development of person-centred support programmes
• Implementation of innovative engagement strategies
• Continuous professional development and training
• Strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders

Impact and Innovation

What sets "The Incredible Life" apart is our holistic approach to support and care. We understand that each individual's journey is unique, and our programmes reflect this understanding through:

• Customised support plans
• Integration of latest research and best practices
• Strong focus on community inclusion
• Emphasis on building independence and life skills

Looking Forward

Being named a finalist in the 2025 Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards is not just an honour – it's a responsibility. This recognition reinforces our commitment to:

• Continuing innovation in support services
• Expanding our reach within the community
• Enhancing our programmes based on feedback and outcomes
• Advocating for greater awareness and understanding

The Broader Impact

These awards play a crucial role in highlighting excellence in the sector, promoting best practices, and raising awareness about the importance of quality support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. They serve as a platform for sharing success stories and inspiring others in the field to strive for excellence.

Acknowledgements

This recognition would not have been possible without:

• Our dedicated team members who work tirelessly every day
• The trust and support of our service users and their families
• Our community partners and stakeholders
• The ongoing support of the wider Northern Ireland learning disability and autism community

Conclusion

As we look forward to the awards ceremony, we remain focused on our core mission: enhancing the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This finalist position in the 2025 Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in support services.

I'm delighted to be included in the upcoming book "Beyond The Ordinary—Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women"

The book launches 11th October 2024 on Amazon.

"Being a parent carer is one of the hardest things; it is something you do without question. You are their parent, but most importantly, you are their advocate, and without you, they probably wouldn't get the help and support they need."
Parent carers do extraordinary work every day, often behind the scenes. Their stories of resilience and advocacy are not just inspiring—they're transformational. "Beyond The Ordinary" sheds light on these incredible journeys, offering support, understanding, and community to those on similar paths.

Natalie was interviewed for the Belfast Telegraph. Here's the article.