PaCC champion awards
Each year the PaCC present awards to professionals, teams or organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their work with disabled children and children with special needs and their families.
how it works
The perfect way to say thank you for the great work done by people in Brighton and Hove.
Help us identify a professional, a team or an organisation in the Social Care, Health, Education or Voluntary Sector who has gone that extra mile for you and your child during the past 12 months. Help us make them PaCC 2024 Champions!
past awards
See who was awarded what and hear from the people that nominated them.
2023 Awards
PaCC Award for Excellence in the Education Sector 2023, presented to:
Juliet Hudson, Headteacher of Downs View Link College, Brighton “Juliet is a formidable force. She joined us in a meeting even though she was short on teachers, had numerous pressures, but wanted to support us in any way she could. Juliet has seen the magnificence of our daughter in every sense. Through her expert knowledge, understanding, compassion and her commitment, we now have a daughter who can manage to remain in a classroom, is learning her curriculum, and who wants to go into college. This is an incredible feat. As parents we applaud her and now our daughter is coming on so strong, understanding much more in the world, managing her anxiety much better, and expressing herself better making our lives at home and in college more productive and fun. A massive thank you.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Education Sector 2023 presented to:
Lucy Grout, Senior Learning Support Assistant, Brighton MET “Lucy supported my son for the academic year last year. He was returning to education after a period of nearly 6 years due to not managing to access education due to anxiety and poor mental health, and lack of appropriate support in mainstream school. We were not confident that he would cope back in education and his anxiety was very high, but Lucy bent over backwards to accommodate him in so many ways. He was able to trust her very quickly, she made small steps to earn his trust and never let him down. He is now successfully in his second year at college. As well as supporting him, Lucy kept in touch with me daily to reassure me, check what else she could do and give feedback without undermining my Son’s independence. We are so grateful for everything, and feel that Lucy has played an integral part in restarting my son’s education and more importantly giving him confidence to be himself.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Education Sector 2023 presented to:
Kate Mummery, Class Teaching Assistant at Brunswick Primary School “Kate sees my boy like no other. Even before his diagnosis when his autism looked like anxiety, if asked how he was he’d always say he was fine. Kate sees past this, she doesn’t let it go and let’s my boy take up the space he needs to be ok. He told me about her and when I first met her I cried. I’m grateful for her every day, she’s completely changed his experience of primary school, she is his safe place, and I can see she really cares about him, what more could I wish for! My boy struggles so much, but it’s quietly, and he could easily be missed, but she’d never miss him, just a look or slight change of mood and she checks in on him, always accepting and gentle, so now he has the capacity to learn as he needs to and regulate so much better with the tools she gives him.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Health Care Sector 2023 presented to:
Louise Loadsman, School Nurse at Downs View School “Louise is so much more than just a fantastic nurse. She is super proactive with ideas and making resources available for the students at Downs View Special School. She is always available and goes way above and beyond what would be expected from her in day to day work at Downs View. A super reliable conduit between parents and other health care professionals, her knowledge is only surpassed by her willingness to help whenever she can. Always smiling and we are very lucky to have her working with our children. It would be great to see her hard work be acknowledged.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Social Care Sector 2023 presented to:
Christine Howland, Manager at Ambito Day Centre “Christine is the manager of the Ambito Day Centre which is a day centre for adults with learning disabilities. Christine makes sure that everyone that attends the day centre care plans are person centred. My son started attending in September when he left the life skills college and loves going to the day centre. 2 days are never the same with my son going out doing various activities with the support of the staff team. She always makes sure that everyone that attends the day centre does what they want to do. With Christine’s support and planning, my son’s transition from the life skills college to the day centre has been a huge success. Christine is completely in tune with what support my son needs and how that support is delivered.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Social Care Sector 2023 presented to:
Julia Jones, Social Worker at Specialist Community Disability Service 14-24, Brighton “Julia tried no less than 3 times to get our family more support. She also went above and beyond to review my son’s school and provision following learning he had felt suicidal at the lack of support. This was not part her remit as my son is not part of our social care family package. This care package is for our daughter and includes our son within it, but he is not granted a care package. From this meeting, and her interaction (plus some things we did as parents) we got the support our son needed for one term. It was massively successful and we are incredibly grateful for Julia for this.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Social Care Sector 2023 presented to:
Olive Elliott-Smith, Personal Assistant “Olive helps me to be the best mum I can be to my daughter. Olive helps me get my daughter ready for school, she helps me do the school runs, helps me with admin to do with my daughter’s autistic needs, she supports me in meetings and appointments, she helps me access support groups for parents of children with special educational needs. She even dropped our belongings to my sisters at Christmas so that we could manage to take the train without having too much to carry. Without Olive’s help we would have had to spend Christmas alone. This Christmas was so special as it was my daughter’s first Christmas where she ‘understood’ what Christmas is about. Caring for my daughter is very intense at times and Olive’s dependable and dynamic support means I can create meaningful childhood experiences for my daughter.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Voluntary Sector 2023 presented to:
Ruth Price, Face to Face Team Amaze “Ruth was assigned to me almost 3 years ago as a befriender from Amaze. She always went above and beyond (and still does) to support me and my family and after the befriending finished, she became a friend. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her, she kept me from falling apart on numerous occasions and offered me very practical advice and guidance. She had such an impact on me that I have now myself been a volunteer for Amaze and ESPCF for just over a year now and I have just qualified as a befriender myself!”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carers Community Sector 2023 presented to:
Emma Collins, Organiser of Orchestra 360, inclusive music for families with disabilities. “Emma and James Redwood have led orchestra 360 for a number of years. It is an inclusive music project which teaches instruments, composition and a wonderful collaboration with parents and children and adults with disabilities. It has been a real privilege to witness their dedication and support for the young people in their musical journey. Concentration improves, confidence grows and parents soon find disability and difference is parked at the door. My son has been there from the beginning and the knock on effect for his confidence, musical ability and social interaction has a knock on effect in the rest of his life.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carers Community Sector 2023 presented to:
Natasha Nice, Mobile Hairdresser “Natasha has made the single biggest impact on our family in years, and we are one of very many in Brighton and Hove who feel the same. She is recommended constantly by families with children and adults with special needs. My son could not have his hair cut for years and now smiles when he sees her. She is patient, kind, absolutely unflappable and children are drawn to her. She is an incredible listener and so interested in our lives. She wouldn’t think she makes a difference- she thinks she’s ‘just a hairdresser’ but she has more understanding and wisdom around supporting families with additional needs than most people I’ve come across. She’s taken an incredibly stressful task and turned it into something that we all look forward to. She is wonderful and deserves so much to be recognised!”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carer Customer Service Sector 2023 presented to:
Helen Golberg, Family Hub Keyworker, Tarner Family Hub “I am thrilled to nominate Helen for her exceptional support to my family during our transition to a new country and culture. Where Helen truly made an indelible impact was in her tireless efforts to ensure the well-being and integration of my son, who is on the autism spectrum. She went above and beyond to find a suitable school that would cater to his unique needs, advocating fiercely for accommodations and understanding. Helen played a pivotal role in facilitating the process of getting a diagnosis for my son, ensuring that he received the necessary support and resources to thrive. Without Helen’s invaluable assistance and unwavering support, our journey in this new country would have been exponentially more challenging. Her empathy, knowledge, and genuine commitment to our family’s well-being have made a profound difference in our lives.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carer Customer Service Sector 2023 presented to:
Norman Haskins, Hidden Children Officer, Brighton & Hove Local Authority “I reached out to him as my son completely broke down and could no longer attend his mainstream school as they couldn’t meet his needs but in this new ‘system’ the placement has to fail to identify what further support can be offered. Norman took it up as I was looking for an EOTAS package. It wasn’t his area, the EOTAS email wasn’t working and I was lost in a myriad of emails not being answered. Norman called me. The perfect response as I was suffering alongside my son mentally. It’s been a horrific time. Norman got me a contact within the SEND EHCP team and finally we made traction to have the emergency AR for my son’s placement review. He saved my mental health.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carer Customer Service Sector 2023 presented to:
Mandy Leahy, Specialist Autism Family Support Worker at BHISS “Mandy has been a wealth of knowledge and advice. Mandy is one of the few people who responds to an email or phone call. I honestly feel she is the only person I am interacting with, who has my son’s best interests at the forefront of what she does. She does not always have all of the answers but she does offer to signpost me to other members of her team or services. I feel listened to and supported. This whole process of school, pathway to diagnosis and then onwards from there has been utterly exhausting and brutal. Mandy has been a truly lovely gift of a person that we as a family have come into contact with. Sometimes you cannot see the wood for the trees and it is great to have someone who can listen and then target the advice, sometimes to things you knew but had forgotten but in a way that is truly kind and not at all condescending. She is a wonderful person.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Parent Carer Customer Service Sector 2023 presented to:
Nicki Swann, EHCP Caseworker, SEN Team BHCC “Nicki went out of her way to understand my YP’s needs, and really understood them. She was very helpful and proactive leading us patiently through the process and always happy to answer questions and explain things. Crucially she was able to signpost what criteria Panel might use to judge our case, which meant we could pre-empt problems and be prepared. All this made an enormous difference in undergoing a very stressful process.”PaCC Award for Excellence in the Education Sector 2023 presented to:
Katie Blood, Head Teacher at St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School “My child has had so much trauma from past school, he’s 6 years old with Autism, ADHD, PDA. He’s a smart kid but struggles so much. Katie goes out of her way to be there for him and the whole school, she runs a school, runs brownies, looks after her own family whilst also fighting to keep the school open. This woman is so strong and absolutely incredible and deserves recognition for EVERYTHING that she does. She never stops. My child is so happy to attend school even part time because of her. Without her, my son wouldn’t be in a school, wouldn’t have friends and would still be having nightmares from the previous trauma at the last school. Not only that, she’s helped me re-build a trust and bond with a school, with her and many other teachers.”PaCC Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement to SEND families in Brighton & Hove 2023 presented to:
Ros Cook, Chair of Trustees, Extratime “Ros has been Chair of Trustees since Extratime registered as a charity. For 20 years she has supported the Chief Execs, management team, trustees and the organisation as a whole. She has been a fountain of knowledge and wisdom throughout that time, leading the charity through its development and growth. In recent times, she has helped the charity to navigate stormy waters and face overwhelming challenges. Although ultimately Extratime could not survive, Ros ensured that everything that had to be done was completed both legally and compassionately, supporting staff so that they could support families in a time of transition. Thank you, Ros, for everything you have done for Extratime.”PaCC Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement to SEND families in Brighton & Hove 2023, presented to:
Lisa Giles, Children’s Service Manager, Barnados Brighton & Hove Link Plus “It’s unusual for a PaCC Award to be given with sadness as well as joy, but this year we found ourselves in the extremely sad position of having to say goodbye to an organisation that has been an absolute lifeline service for 25 years, to the children and young people in our city with the most complex of profound level of need. Barnardos was a unique respite and fostering service, which always kept the whole family need at the heart of their service planning. Life was especially challenging during COVID which brought huge pressures on SEND families mentally, emotionally, physically and financially – and you were there for us. I can see some of those families in the room today. Barnardos, you really are irreplaceable. Thank you for taking such good care of us as parents, for always being there as a listening ear and strong shoulder, and for opening up a bigger world to our children and young people.”2022 Awards
Education Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Sam Kaiser, SENCO a Downs Junior School, Brighton: “Sam has a really lovely approach and is the epitome of what a true SENCO partner and collaborator should be, along this journey of caring for a child or young person with additional needs. She supports, provides safe space, is constantly seeking to improve the provision in school, looking for new and creative ways to expand the help available for our young people and families. Sam has at all times walked beside us on this journey and never once questioned or doubted that needs had to be met. She’s never made us feel like we had to convince her of an issue that needed input and has always campaigned to ensure knowledge and communication is shared with the right professionals”
Education Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Amanda James, Maths teacher KS4 at PRU, Brighton: “Amanda has supported my child and gone over and above, building their confidence by showing understanding, taking the time to understand them. Encouraging them in a nurturing way”
Education Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Sandy Farrow, TA/Inclusion Team at St Martins Nursery and Primary School, Brighton: “Mrs Farrow has made a huge difference to my daughter and with support to our family. Knowing our daughter has that kind of support at her school makes the world of difference to our family and my daughter’s wellbeing. Recognising the emotional needs of young siblings isn’t recognised as much as it should be but her school and Mrs Farrow have gone the extra mile with support” “Sandy works hard, and she is kind caring and compassionate. She promotes positive behaviour, social development and high self-esteem. She has always been warming and taken care of them when they have needed any extra support”
Education Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Nicola Raven, Head of Mathematics at Varndean School, Brighton: “Nicola has set up a gardening group to support my son’s inclusion and relationships entering year 7 following some challenging events and interrelationship upsets with fellow peers. This went from my son feeling isolated from his group of friends, to being included in birthday celebrations by those who were isolating him. Nicola always goes the extra mile for my son, engaging him, listening, giving up her time to understand his issues, looking to talk with fellow teachers where my son is struggling, and generally making her role his 1:1 support worker even though this is far beyond the boundaries of her position, and considering she has the role of Head of Mathematics at the school”
Health Care Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Health Care Sector goes to Lalli Howell, Autism Advisor Child Development Team at Seaside View, Brighton: “Lalli did the autism assessment for my daughter. Lalli took such care and did such a comprehensive assessment. Her deep understanding of autism allowed her to use the assessment as an opportunity to share knowledge with me and my daughter’s grandfather as well as simply gathering information. She was exceptionally kind, and the process helped to ease the potential difficulty of diagnosis”
Social Care Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Social Care Sector goes to Dominic Feeley, Wheelchair Services Engineer, Sussex Rehabilitation Centre, Brighton:“Dominic is amazing and has been working with my daughter since she was 4 years old. He recently went above and beyond to get her electric chair fixed and back on the road again. He gets my daughter and her needs, and nothing is too much trouble for him”
Social Care Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Social Care Sector goes to Sean Redgrave, PA/Carer, Hove: “Sean has cared for my son for several years. He always goes out of his way to help myself and my son and they have the best time when they are out together, due to my mobility needs Sean is such a help with physical tasks regarding my son. He’s flexible, laid-back, professional and fun. We would be lost without him!” “Sean is so much fun and my daughter loves spending time with him watching movies, playing computer games. He is like a big brother to her”
Social Care Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Social Care Sector goes to Luke Grant, Social Worker Specialist Community Disability Services, Wellington House, Brighton: “Luke has supported a sibling within his Social Care remit. The sibling is not in education and as a teen in adolescence has multiple SEND diagnosis/additional needs too alongside his brother with a more specialist disability diagnosis. Luke has been there to listen and support the whole family with authentic and dedicated approach. He shares the same racial identity and brings a shared understanding and perspective as well as professional excellence. Luke has made a huge difference to best outcomes for my family and most importantly made life a little easier in testing times”
Voluntary Sector Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Voluntary Sector goes to Darren Walker, Co-ordinator of Dads’ Group, Hove: “Darren has been organising the Dad’s Group for several years. The group provides a unique meeting place and online space for dads of SEND children. The range of dads and their children’s disabilities are wide, but the group provides us with a place where we know others will understand what we’re going through. We all know blokes are often not good at sharing feelings, so this unique group has been essential. I personally have benefited from being able to unload at the group, and have made new friends through it, something that middle aged men I think also have trouble with. Darren has a strong empathy for and interest in mental health issues”
Customer Service Sector Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Parent Carers Customer Service Sector goes to Gemma and Katy, Home To School Transport Team, Brighton: “Gemma and Katy have gone above and beyond to make my daughter’s route and journey accessible, meet her needs, and she even did a dance when she saw her transport vehicle and met her team last Autumn. I’ve never seen her so happy and ready to begin her college/school year before. Whatever the issues – and there are many – Gemma and Katy resourcefully listen, know what to do, and react with great integrity and enduring calmness that leaves me feeling empowered and my daughter’s needs understood and met at all times”
Community Sector Champion
PaCC Award 2022 for Excellence in the Parent Carers Community Engagement Sector goes to Paolo Boldrini, Parent Carer Participation Worker, PaCC, Brighton: “Whenever I’ve needed help either for myself or my son, Paolo will do his best to help. He’ll call, message or speak face to face and will promptly look for solutions or relevant information and support I need. He’s made me feel so welcome to be part of the Sunflower Group. Paolo is a lifesaver, always cheerful and smiley. Always attentive to our needs, always being proactive and organising information events for us”
Special Award
PaCC Special Award 2022 for Outstanding Achievement to SEND families in Brighton & Hove goes to Diana Boyd, formerly PaCC Chair, Brighton: “Diana Boyd has been chosen to receive this award by the PaCC steering group in recognition of her years of commitment to PaCC and most importantly to parent carers. When describing Diana and the huge contribution and difference she has made for so many, there are so many words to use – dedicated, expert, strategic, skilled, calm, patient, supportive, diplomatic, professional, challenger… For those of us on the PaCC Steering Group, the list of words is longer still – mentor, role model, leader, rock, supporter, friend. We would like to thank Diana for the positive difference she has made for so many families in the city and for being such an important part of PaCC”
2021 Awards
Education Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Lynne Halls, Pastoral Team at Homewood College, Brighton :“Lynne is the most kind, caring and generous person you will ever meet. I attend Homewood, in year 11, last year I was beyond struggling with my mental health, and with the great support from Lynne, and others I am now back in school! Lynne even used her own evening to support me at a college open evening, as I was very nervous. Lynne made this experience a lot easier and reassured me the whole way through”
Education Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes also to Julia Cunningham Teacher at Cardinal Newman 6th Form College, Hove: “Julia goes above and beyond in getting all her pupils through 6 form successfully. My son passed his triple Btec Sport course during a very difficult and challenging time. This is due, in large measure to Julia who wouldn't let him give up, helped him resubmit his work, found alternatives when it looked as though nothing would be available. She is firm and fair. She clearly loves young people, but crucially she puts in extra effort where pupils are not academic. To my mind this makes a truly exceptional teacher- one who finds the key to unlock the potential deep inside all kids, no matter what”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award for Excellence 2021 in the Social Care Sector goes to Beth Mitchell Personal Assistant (PA) to SEND children, Brighton: “Beth, PA to our daughter for almost 9 years, has been there for us when my daughter took really ill and ended up in hospital; we all would have been lost without her. She stayed in the hospital with my daughter for the week. Beth is amazing and I can see how much my daughter loves her and how much she helps Kerry physically and emotionally. Beth’s job is her passion and she puts her all into every child she works with individual needs. Beth has being a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to a rant. Nothing is too much for her. I can honestly say she has been a rock for me as a single mum through some very dark times and my son thinks of her as family”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in Social Care Sector goes also to Jane Dudeney Foster Carer at Wellington House Brighton: “Jane has worked so hard to help reunite the child in her care with their mother. During the time that they were in foster care Jane also worked hard to ensure that their needs were met. This included adapting her garden, living room, and general lifestyle so that her home was an enabling environment for the child. Even when the child demonstrated challenging behaviours, Jane only responded with kindness and compassion and understanding. In the final hearing, the court had high praises for Jane as a foster carer and reflected that without her input or support the child may not have been as readily able to live at home”
Health Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in Health Care Sector goes to Dr Mary Bond Psychologist at CAMHS Learning Disability Team, Brighton: “Mary is a huge support to my family and has been for a long time. She is always at the end of an email or phone, she is extremely easy to talk to and I never feel awkward asking her anything. She has made such an amazing difference to my daughter’s life, she has taken a lot of time to build up a great relationship with her and my daughter feels so comfortable around her that she really looks forward to her sessions with Mary. Mary is a very caring person who puts us all at ease and supports us all extremely well even when we are at our lowest point and feeling totally overwhelmed she manages to pull us through it”
Voluntary Sector Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in Voluntary Sector goes to Briony Streets Youth Worker at Hangleton and Knoll Project, Hove: “Briony has helped so many young people with additional needs and really helped me with my mental health. She always knows how to solve a problem and she has also helped me get the right support I need for me”
Voluntary Sector Champion
The PaCC Award 2021 for Excellence in Voluntary Sector goes also to Annie, Sharon and Phil SEND Family, Brighton (The family wasn't able to attend the event; the award was collected by a parent carer on their behalf): “The family set up a special Grotto in their garden for SEND Families. They gathered donations of toys, gifts and decorations and made a fab grotto and families booked private slots so their child and siblings could safely see Father Christmas without feeling anxious or worrying about Covid. Over 100 families got to enjoy a magical meeting. Annie was a super Elf for all the visits and helped to put the youngsters at their ease. Annie has also been working hard all year making crafts such as necklaces, key rings and bracelets, Easter gifts etc to raise funds for their chosen charities. They went above and beyond for all the children adapting for each need of each individual child”
Special Award
The PaCC Posthumous Special PaCC Award for Excellence 2021 in Honour of Jane Pursey VPA Chaperone at Brighton & Hove City Council (James, Jane's son, collected the award): “Jane died on 20th October, at the age of 87. She worked at the council as a VPA / chaperone for over 35 years. Our son enjoyed Jane's company few days a week. Over the last 6 years, Jane was totally dedicated to her job, and was always up for a laugh. One of my fondest memories was seeing her all in red, including a feather boa for Red Nose Day. I am sorry not to have nominated Jane while she was alive, but know her family would appreciate this recognition”
Special Award
The PaCC Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to SEND families in Brighton & Hove 2021 goes to Fiona England formerly PaCC Chair, Brighton: “Fiona has done lots of work to make sure families were able to go out during the pandemic by talking to the Local Authority, which resulted, on families getting a letter to take to shops and/or outdoor spaces highlighting the children’s special needs and disabilities and the need for the kids to be able to be outdoor. Fiona, as PaCC Chair, has always make sure that the Council budgets didn’t penalised SEND families, as for example when Fiona challenged cuts to respite/direct payments. Fiona has been a fantastic chair and has done an enormous amount of work on representing SEND families in Brighton & Hove”
2020 Awards
Education Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes to Linda Williams, Teacher at Hill Park School, Portslade: “Linda’s teaching is tailored to each child and I can see the impact she’s having on mine. It is not just her teaching but also her personal approach towards to whole family. She supports me and other parents who sometimes feel a bit lost; she’s very empathetic and reassuring. Not sure were my family would be without her, my child is happy to go to school and as a result we are happy too”
Education Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in the Education Sector goes also to Richard Enticknap, Special Education Teacher at Central Hub Primary Unit, Brighton: “My son, previously highly anxious, unable to attend his mainstream school due to huge overwhelm, had become withdrawn, avoidant, impulsive and unhappy, which also impacted on my own well-being. Richard worked with him all the way through the lockdowns, providing routines, teaching him social skills, building his confidence and communication skills. My son now has friends, he leaves for school happy every day for the first time in his life”
Health Champion
The PaCC Award for Excellence 2020 in the Health Sector goes to Sarah Sharp, founder of Tictock Therapy, Newhaven: “Sarah helps families around the local community and beyond by delivering therapy to children who have Tourette’s Syndrome. Without Ticktock therapy I would not have a full understanding of Tourettes and how it all works and how I can help my child. With the therapy and information provided by Sarah many struggles can be averted or stopped by surpassing of the tics. Sarah is such a beautiful person inside and out”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in Social Care Sector goes to Helen Powell Teaching Assistant at Downsview School, Brighton: “My daughter is wheelchair bound with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. During Covid lockdown we quickly went into crisis and her little brother couldn’t cope with her behaviours at home all of the time. We wouldn’t be where we are now as a family together without Helen stepping up. Without her support we would not be the family we are today trying to manage a challenging child under the most challenging of circumstances”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in Social Care Sector goes also to Barnardo’s Brighton & Hove Link Plus Short Break Carers, Hove: “The carer helped me a lot during lockdown from March 2020 till Sept 2020. I am a single parent with severe disabled child with autism. She took my child out and drove him to the fields, walking in hills and feeling nature so he can still be out for fresh air and fun. With no family close by, or friends that can cope with the level of support our son needs, we are truly grateful for the help and care the foster carer has offered us especially over the last year”
Voluntary Sector Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in Voluntary Sector goes to Jo Matthews and family who run Mascot Sunday Club, Portslade: “Jo and her whole family are brilliant. My son was so sad and withdrawn but from the moment we got to the club Jo found him people to play with, themed sessions and bought special activities to help him get integrated. Jo’s son plays with my son every week, always with a smile, always kind. Her husband is just the same. Jo has helped us get back on our feet and find some joy in other people again”
Voluntary Sector Champion
The PaCC Award 2020 for Excellence in Voluntary Sector goes also to Paul Goodwin, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Campaigner, Brighton: “I have known Paul through his PDA Facebook page, for over two years. Paul’s dedication and hard work to raise awareness of PDA is unprecedented. Even with his personal struggles he never gives up, helping people around him and caring for everyone. Paul is an inspiration to us all”
Special Award
The PaCC Special Award 2020 for Excellence – The Team at Little Lambs Kindergarten, Hove: “As soon as my first visit to Little Lambs with my child, I felt we belonged and were welcome there. I always feel that all of the team genuinely enjoy my child’s company and enjoy having him there. I have only ever seen children being kind, gentle and welcoming towards my child there. The staff always go out of their way to help me and be flexible. They are such a fantastic team, and it’s rare to find this in a mainstream childcare setting”
Special Award
The PaCC Special Award 2020 for Excellence goes also to Senay Smallwood, Director at Down Syndrome Development Trust, Seaford: “The Down Syndrome Development Trust is the place where children with Down syndrome get support, access activities like music, sensory and outdoor activities, speech and language therapy groups, advice, training and resources for our families. Senay, who has a son with Down syndrome, dedicates herself to the project. I can definitely say that Senay and her project changed my life and my son’s life too”
Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to SEND families
The PaCC Special Award 2020 for Outstanding Contribution to SEND families in Brighton & Hove goes to Adrian Carver, former Executive Head Teacher at Downs View School, Link & Life Skills College Brighton: “This special award from PaCC Steering Group is in recognition of Adrian’s relentless determination, passion and commitment to delivering outstanding SEND provision in the city over the past 16 years of Downs View Leadership. PaCC particularly wants to recognise the creation of a very specialist post-16 provision, Downs View Life Skills College, for students who previously would have left education”
2019 Awards
Education Champions
For the Education category the winner of PaCC Awards 2019 Charlotte Gould, Teaching Assistant at St John's College, Brighton; “ She put her heart and soul into helping my son through all his difficulties. She kept him safe and through intensive interaction helped him communicate better and be better understood. His confidence and ability to settle into life in College and outside improved because of this. It helped my stress levels calm down, knowing she had his back. She communicated well with me as well. Big thank you. We love you Charlotte.”
Health Champion
For the Health category the winner of PaCC Awards 2019 Dr Lucy Allsopp, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Chalkhill & Urgent Help Service "Lucy is my child's psychiatrist and I can honestly say that without her leadership in the clinical team, her empathy, and knowledge I don't know where we will be. One of Lucy's qualities is that she is open to ideas, takes parent and my daughter’s views into consideration and works really hard to advocate for the child and family in a multi-disciplinary context. Mental Health services get overlooked in awards such as these and I truly feel that Chalkhill should be recognised as providing an excellent service to meet the needs of young people to improve their mental health and emotional wellbeing so that young people are supported to self-manage and reach their potential.”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2019 for the Social Care in the Community category winner is Vikki Witham, Manager, Drove Road Respite Unit “Vikki has been there supporting us every step of the way, whilst still managing Drove Road and frequently having to work 'hands on' in the unit... Vikki has also been supporting us with all the issues around my son not having school transport in place. No matter what huge pressure Vikki has been under with managing Drove Road, she has always been extremely supportive to us all as a family.”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2019 for the Social Care in Education category winner is Hailey Sellins, Pupil Welfare Officer at Westdene Primary School “Hailey is the most incredible professional and she has a hugely positive impact on our family. She works empathically and holistically to give young carers the very best support at Westdene Primary school and her young carers group and approach has been held up as a model of best practice. The very careful and thoughtful care and input and ‘special time’ she has given my daughters has hugely benefited their wellbeing and helped them better cope with the pressures of having a profoundly disabled sister. This has had a ripple effect across the entire family and means I am better able to cope and look after my disabled daughter too.”
Voluntary Sector
The PaCC Award 2019 for the Voluntary Sector winner Louise Howe, Amaze Face to Face Co-Ordinator “Louise, is almost constantly working voluntarily for families in Brighton and Hove. Hosting parties and social events, organising fundraisers and working hard to improve lives. Louise makes a difference to so many families in Brighton and Hove every day and was one of the first friendly faces to offer me advice and support when I started my own journey in autism, much of the information she shared has widened my family's possibilities.”
Special Award
The PaCC Special Award for Excellence 2019 winner is Andrew Wealls, “He has spent many years advocating for children with learning disabilities and their families. He has supported mASCot and worked closely with them over the years. He responds to every individual that contacts him in a way that you know is unique to each individual. Most importantly, he doesn't just talk the talk... he walks the walk!”
Posthumus Award
PaCC Posthumus for Excellence 2019 winner is Kristy Janet Baldock, “Kristy died on Saturday 2nd November after a sudden and tragic complication. We would like to recognise her posthumously for her professionalism and kindness shown to all our families and children attending appointments at Chailey. She always chatted with us, and she always remembered our son, welcoming him kindly and patiently answered all his questions about dogs and let him play with her special doggy calendar. The Facebook tributes show how many lives she touched. We were devastated by this news.”
2018 Awards
Education Champions
For the Education category the winner of PaCC Awards 2018 Nickie Poulton, Teaching Assistant; “Nickie is an amazing human being! She works tirelessly for the Friends of Downs View Committee taking on the main bulk of organising fundraising events for the school. Without her they would be lost! She has selflessly helped us so much to look after our son during the holidays and is just amazing and gives all her energy and life to the school and our children”
Health Champion
For the Health category the winner of PaCC Awards 2018 is Rob Low, Head of BSUH Audiology One of the parent carers who nominated him stated that "Rob diagnosed my son's profound hearing loss when he was just 3 and a half weeks old. His kindness on that day, his understanding and genuine care for my son and our whole family meant that I walked out a little shaken, yes, but feeling safe and supported... He has been a tireless and passionate champion of the city's deaf children. He was at the forefront of the National Newborn screening programme and leads an outstanding team of paediatric audiologists.”
Social Care Champion
The PaCC Award 2018 for the Social Care category winner is Laura Ielpo, Personal Assistant. One of the parent carers who nominated them said; “Laura is an amazing woman! Laura works full time but always makes time to look after our son and be there for us as a family. Laura has helped J overcome fears, such as he recently had his first ever haircut in 11 years! He loves er and tells her so all the time. She is selfless, caring, compassionate and so kind... Laura has brought J so many smiles, fun and laughter, things no money can buy, and we can never thank her enough.... We love her and would be lost without her and we feel so lucky to have her in our life”
Voluntary Sector
The PaCC Award 2018 for the Voluntary Sector Joint winners are Mimi Banks - mASCot programme & development co-ordinator. A parent who nominated her commented; “My son has many additional needs including severe anxiety and selective mutism. He has never accessed a club in his life until we found mASCot. The 11+ youth club is a wonderful place, he can truly be himself without judgement. Thanks to Mimi making him feel warmly welcomed, he actually talks, interacts and eats whilst he is there - so very special.”
The second PaCC Award 2018 for The Voluntary Sector goes to Elana Woodham; Volunteer a Sweetpeas A parent who nominated her commented; “Elana is an amazing woman with a big heart and she is great with my twins, they think the world of her! She has provided me with so much support, advice and kindness since the first time I went to Sweetpeas, which has been invaluable to me. Elana needs to be recognised for her outstanding work.”
2017 Awards
Education Champions
For the Education category the joint winners of PaCC Awards 2017 are Antigone Nikiteas, Teaching Assistant ; “Antigone has got an amazing ability to help and build confidence in children. She is the only person who is able to deal with challenging behaviour and avoidance. She has made an enormous difference to us”
Lyndsey Judge, Playgroup SENCO ; “Society needs more people like Lyndsey as she is so amazing. I feel like she deserves an award for all the hard work she does to make such a difference to people's lives”
Health Champion
For the Health category the winner of PaCC Awards 2017 is Lisa Craig, Occupational Therapist One of the parent carers who nominated her stated that "Maybe it seems strange to mention bravery - after all, Lisa was just doing her job. Brave strong, sure and very loving and kind - all these words describe Lisa and it takes courage to witness a family in pain over days, months, years and to keep being hopeful and kind and open to helping in whatever way works”
Social Care Champion
For the Social Care category the winner is Amanda Graham, Personal Assistant. One of the parent carers who nominated them said; “Despite her heavy workload, she was there for us when times were incredibly hard for us as a family. It would be lovely for her to realise how much she is appreciated and what a wonderful person she is”
Voluntary Sector
The PaCC Award 2017 for the Voluntary Sector goes to Pippa Hodge for her outstanding work with T21 - a group for families with children with Downs Syndrome. A parent who nominated her commented; “Pippa throws her passion and energy and enthusiasm into supporting our T21 families... She has grown and developed the fledgling T21 group into a thriving community and gives immeasurable support to many, many families who are forging lifelong links for themselves as parents and a crucial friendship network for the children. She is quite simply brilliant!”
Community Business
The PaCC Award 2017 for Community Business goes to Catherine Newell; Parent Group Co-ordinator and Counsellor A parent who nominated her commented; “Catherine facilitates a support group for parent/carers. She provides a safe and confidential place for parent carers to offload and dig deep with many anxieties and fears they have surrounding their situation... Her way of working in a small closed group of parent carers fills that great void which can otherwise be filled with depression, anxiety, social wilderness... She helps us to help ourselves and our situations and to see the light in front of us. The group is so enlightening... It's unique and needs recognition”
Special Award for outstanding contribution to SEND families in Brighton & Hove
A PaCC Special Award 2017 goes to Lizzie Batten; DLA and PIP Support Manager A parent who nominated her commented; “Incredible Lizzie is a force of nature in the Voluntary sector. She helped me fill out my DLA application twice - once when my son was first diagnosed and again 5 years later when we needed to renew. It was so reassuring to have someone there who's an absolute expert in the field. She is a shining star at Amaze and her reputation is untouchable. She is very worthy of an award”
2015/16 Awards
Education Champion
For the Education category the winner of PaCC Awards 2016 is Natalie Stone, Early Years Worker Natalie was nominated for the support she provides parents through Sweat Peas. One of the parent carers who nominated her stated; “Natalie supports my twin boys at the Sweet Peas group. She has such a kind generous nature & is amazing with my boys. She is always happy and patient & she is very engaging with the children and does great activities and play with them. She is a real champion in my eyes!”
Health Champion
For the Health category the winner of PaCC Awards 2016 is Louise Loadsman, Special Needs School Nurse, Seaside View. One of the parent carers who nominated her stated that "Louise is an exceptional health professional. She is super professional, empathic and goes out of her way to support our family through thick and thin.” Unfortunately Louise couldn’t make it herself but the award was collected on her behalf.
Social Care Champion
For the Social Care category the judging panel agreed to have two winning teams in this category as nominations were equally strong. The PaCC Awards 2016 goes to Taxi Driver and Escort John Whittan and Ann Head. One of the parent carers who nominated them said; “John and Ann are my daughter’s incredible transport team. They really do go over and above in their roles, they are really empathic and supportive, cope brilliantly with my daughter’s epilepsy and health needs and have become an invaluable member of her team. Livvy regularly has significant tonic clonic seizures in their taxi and they are calm and caring and they really do adore her. She couldn’t be in safer hands and having had many teams over the years, John and Ann really do stand out.”
The second winning team to receive the PaCC award for Social Care 2016 are Wayne Brookes-Baker and Denise Bell. A parent carer who nominated them commented; “Wayne takes my son to school in his taxi for school transport. Wayne is terrific. He always comes to the door to pick up Miguel for school with a smile and asks how we are. He is patient and lifts my spirits for the day. He has gone way beyond the call of duty and been very flexible. Once my son was sick and his walking frame was at the special school, Wayne delivered it to my son’s other school – I didn’t even ask him to. Amazing!”
Voluntary Care
And finally the PaCC Award 2016 for the Voluntary Sector. Again the judging panel decided on two winners as both entries were equally strong. The First award goes to Sally Howell for her outstanding work with the Brighton Pebble’s Group. A parent who nominated her commented; “Sally organises all the Brighton Pebbles events and fundraises tirelessly for many families that are members of Pebbles. She does it even though she and her family can rarely attend the events. Her commitment to families and her loyalty to Pebbles is outstanding and unique. She deserves a reward such as this. A hugely gracious person she rarely understands how valued she is to Brighton Pebbles; and the whole group works because of all she does for us.”
The Second winner of the PaCC Award for Social Care 2016 goes to Kerry Korkunc for her outstanding work with the group Sweet Peas. A person who nominated her commented; “Kerry has been helping families at Sweetpeas for years. The families that come to sweetpeas (under 5’s) are usually very new to the SEND systems in brighton and Kerry is compassionate, understanding and full of advice. She also makes sure that the parents are well looked after”
2014 Awards
During 2014 we received many excellent nominations, as proof that there are so many dedicated people in the city. 2014 PaCC Champion Awards were presented to:
Education Champion
For the education category the winner of PaCC Awards 2014 is James Maddox, Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant at St. Andrew’s School in Hove. One of the parent carers who nominated him said “Mr. Maddox works so hard to get the best cognitively and academically from Ferris and empower him to achieve his potential, whether it is helping him to concentrate in a busy environment and pushing him to work, when he is so clearly daydreaming, or being innovative in making up games/rewards to focus Ferris and generally making school fun”
Health Champion
For the health category the winner of PaCC Awards 2014 is Virginia Harvey, Speech and Language Therapist Deafness at Hove Polyclinic. One of the parent carers who nominate her stated that “Virginia has worked with us as parents around our daughter’s complex speech and language/communication needs, advising and guiding us. Virginia has also worked with our daughter’s other services for consistency around our daughter’s communication”
Social Care Champion
For the social care category the judging panel agreed to have two winners in this category as nominations were equally strong. PaCC Awards 2014 goes to Emma Lowe, Outreach Services provided by Seaside View. In the words of the parent carer who nominated Emma “Emma has been taking our 13yr old, severely autistic son, Merlin Burrows, out on outreach sessions for six years now, after losing his 18 year old sister Taylor very suddenly. She has become Merlin’s ‘best friend’ and has changed our lives for the better. She takes Merlin horse riding and swimming every week. She is amazing!”
The other PaCC Awards 20914 for the social care category goes to Matthew Howson, Social Worker at Seaside View at the General Hospital in Brighton because, and I quote “Matthew has been a great social worker and has made a big difference in our family situation, always on time, available on phone and very helpful when needed”
Voluntary Sector Champion
And finally the PaCC Award 2014 for the voluntary sector category goes to Reza Ataie, volunteer co-ordinator of Dads Group in Brighton and Hove because "Reza has kept going with this despite the difficulties of supporting dads and male carers. This is very hard group to support: dads usually go out to work and are not as tuned in to support available or social networks as women, men are always less likely to communicate when they need help, men are unlikely to join in groups dominated by women”
As usual we would like to thank the four parent carers who were part of this year panel.
2013 Awards
The 2013 PaCC Champion Awards were presented to:
Education Champion
In the Education Category we had an incredible list of dedicated people who provide invaluable support to our families. The winner was Ollie Kendall, SENCO and teacher who was nominated because, in the words of a parent, “From the moment Ollie introduced himself to us he showed complete respect and had enormous belief in my child’s ability to learn and belong at her (mainstream) secondary school. He knows his pupils well and pushes for change within an often inflexible system of learning and proves what is possible when a child is valued. My child’s experience at her school has improved in many ways having a true ally with her.”
Health Champion
Dr.Vivienne Campbell , Neuropaediatrician at Seaside View, Brighton General Hospital received several nominations in the always so important Health Category. One parent told us: “I trust that Vivienne Campbell will always give me an honest and sometimes frank view of my son’s healthcare. She will happily take the time to discuss in great detail any aspect of my son’s condition and yet I always leave meetings with a positive outlook on the situation. She always makes sure that I have a clear understanding and she leaves me with a strong sense that she will do anything she can to help him. When problems have arisen she has always returned my phone calls promptly to discuss my concerns.”
Another parent pointed out "Dr. Campbell at Seaside View has always gone out of her way to help my family in any way she can, and whenever I have made a specific request relating to some issue with which we needed help. On numerous occasions she has responded immediately (and beyond the call of duty) to our need for help with specific formal issues and written us letters, or done whatever was needed to help make my family’s life caring for a disabled child easier. SHE IS AMAZING, kind, thoughtful and conscientious and I would like all her extra work, time and trouble to be recognised.”
Social Care Champion
From the ten strong nominees in the Social Care Category the panel selected Clare King, youth worker at Brighton and Hove City Council Youth Service. Her parent nomination said “Clare has been working with my daughter, who has Aspergers, to help her become more independent. My daughter can find new situations very distressing, but Clare is very patient and understanding and together they have been trying new things so that she now wants to try to do more. My daughter doesn’t like going out, but she enjoys her outings with Clare. They’ve been bowling, to the pictures and just shopping into Brighton. With Clare it’s more like going with a friend and my daughter comes back smiling and happy, which makes me feel happy too. My daughter even offered to walk down the road and post a letter for me this week. She would never have done that before she met Clare. People like Clare are brilliant and I shall be so sad when she’s no longer able to work with my daughter because she will be missed.”
Voluntary Sector Champion
The fifteen Voluntary Sector nominations showed examples of the incredible energy and dedication of so many volunteers active in the city. The award went to Becky Jenner, Director of Extratime because “Becky started extratime 12 years ago when our daughter started special school and it has been a life line to our family, providing much needed respite and entertainment for our daughter who is now 16. Our daughter was able to access the excellent after school facilities at Hillside until she left this summer. We miss the weekly sessions very much now but she is still able to enjoy extratime in the holidays when she goes to the YMCA. The activities are relevant to her age and she enjoys doing ‘teenager type things’ with her friends. If it hadn’t been for Becky’s continued drive over the years, extratime would not be where it is today.”
Another nomination stated “Becky is a great parent, carer and leader; a shining role model, as well as a great support to me and hundred’s of parents across our city in so many helpful ways. A huge thanks to Becky for ‘being there’ and walking alongside the parents she supports with her work. It is a pleasure to know her; she is genuine, kind and compassionate.”
Special Awards
The judging panel also decided to acknowledge the incredible effort of some other amazing people who had been nominated by giving two special awards.
The first for Outstanding Support went to Bob Wall, head teacher of Hillside, to recognise his immense dedication. “Having met Bob on many occasions he has always been great at supporting children and families with extra needs. Even though I’ve never had a child at Hillside I have always heard parents speak very highly of Bob. Also after reading about him retiring, what a fitting way to say thank you for all he has done.”
The other special award went to mASCot, the support group for parents and carers of children with autism. The organisation was praised for giving an independent voice to children with autism and their families and for providing a network of support and mutual advice. One parent said “Without this group I would not have met other families in the same position as me and would have felt isolated. It has been such a positive experience being part of mASCot. They work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of ASC children are better understood by others, for example, they were instrumental in making sure our voices were heard at the current local authority ASC Scrutiny Panel meetings.”
We would like to thank the 2013 panel of judges for taking the time to make some difficult decisions. Once again our judging panel was chaired by Ros Cook, Operations Manager at Amaze who kept order over one of our PaCC co-chairs, a PaCC Steering Group member, two people from PaCC wider membership and Paolo Boldrini, the PaCC Participation Worker.
2012 Awards
The 2012 awards were judged by a panel of parents who gave each nomination equal consideration when deciding who to give the award to in each category.
The health champion was Julie Yates dental nurse at Conway Court who worked tirelessly with one young man to help him overcome his fear of dentists.
The voluntary champion was Gillian Kitchener from Kaleidoscope. One parent said of Gillian "We are very lucky to know Gillian. She has and is making a positive difference for many children and young people in her work running Kaleidoscope. She has challenged people’s thinking and attitudes with endless strength, determination and a wicked sense of humour."
The social care champion was OT Jane Cleaver for making a huge difference in one family’s life.
Julie Lawrence from Patcham High was judged to be the education champion. The parent that nominated her said "Julie goes beyond the call of duty to ensure everything runs smoothly and regularly communicates with me on all aspects of the school day. This gives me peace of mind which is priceless."
The PaCC also awarded Jenny Brickell, Service manager of the Integrated Child Development and Disability Service a special award for her work in promoting the partnership between her team and parents.
2011 Awards
For the first time parents were asked to vote for their champion in four sectors.
The health champion was Nicky Smith SALT whose was nominated because she has great knowledge and expertise about my son’s condition and is able to share this with his school team to ensure his needs are met.
The social care champion was jointly awarded to Karen Parker, key worker at SSV and Abby Maitland in the CAMHS team at SSV. The parent who nominated Karen did so for her warm and helpful personality.
The education champions were Phillipa Poole and Kendra Stonehouse from Balfour. They were described as two fab women in their work helping one parent’s daughter gain confidence and build up her strength in order to gain access to mainstream education.
The voluntary sector award was given to Sam Bayley from mASCot for her work in setting up the parent support group for parents with children on the autistic spectrum.
2010 Awards
Awards were given to:
- Tudor House team. The parent who nominated them quoted “They’re a fantastic bunch of people. They give my daughter superb care and provide a warm, stimulating and respectful environment where she can blossom. Hurrah for Tudor House!”
- Lizzie Batten – DLA co ordinator at Amaze
- Dr John Trounce – consultant at the children’s hospital
- Dr Sian Bennett – Consultant Paediatrician at Seaside View
- Bob Wall – Head teacher at Hillside School
2009 Awards
Individual awards given to :
- Marina Brewerton – for being such a support
- Anne Robson – for her outstanding support for ASC children
- Dr Jennifer Chapman – for going the extra mile
- Sue Crane – for her excellence, knowledge and expertise
Team awards were given to:
- Extratime – for allowing disabled children to experience new things in a positive and supportive atmosphere
- SSV Nursery Nurse team – for their skill and enthusiasm
- ASCSS team – for their outstanding support of children with ASC
- Hillside school staff team – for offering help and support over the call of duty