insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 16

NEWS KENT LEARNING DISABILITY AWARDS LAUNCHED Nominations are open for people to put forward unsung heroes who have made a difference to those with learning disabilities. Now in its second year, Kent County Council is asking for nominations for people, businesses and services that have gone above and beyond in supporting and improving the lives of people with learning disabilities. Graham Gibbens The six award categories are: Employer of people with a disability award: Do you know a company or business that makes sure employees with a disability are treated equally and given opportunities to develop fully as a member of staff? Supported housing award: This could be a housing provider, social landlord or housing and information advice service, which provides an exceptional service to people with a learning disability. Supporting people with learning disabilities award (team or individual): Do you know a nurse, social worker, therapist or someone else who gives excellent support to make a difference to the life of someone with a learning disability? Adrian Oliver Citizenship award (opening up communities): This recognises an individual, service or an organisation that has made changes to improve access to places and information and helped people to be a part of the community. A FIRST FOR CYCLING IN KENT Helping people stay healthy award: Highlighting the work of someone who has shown exceptional assistance in helping people stay healthy – whether that's healthy eating, managing stress, or doing more physical activities. May 2015 saw the opening of The Freewheel Public House, a unique and exciting new venue in the heart of the Kent countryside. The Freewheel is not just an inviting pit stop for cyclists, walkers and locals to refuel; it also has a fully equipped workshop attached for both running repairs and scheduled servicing for all types of bicycle. People’s award: This award celebrates someone with a learning disability who, through hard work, has made a difference to their own or other people’s lives. The Freewheel is the brainchild of Adrian Oliver, founder of Kent-based CyclingAge, the organisation that delivers bike ability for children in schools around Kent and adult cycling training. KCC cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Graham Gibbens, said: “We want to celebrate the wonderful work that goes on around the county to support people with learning disabilities. Situated just two minutes from National Cycle Route 1 – which runs from Dover, throughout Kent and then north to Shetland – it is the perfect place for people to either stop off en route or indeed start a day's riding or walking from. The first of its kind in Kent, The Freewheel will be offering locally sourced food and drink, and onsite expertise in bicycle repairs and maintenance. This unique pub has already caught the attention of sporting enthusiasts from across the UK, Europe, and even as far away as Rio de Janerio! The reviews have been positive and supportive of this unusual venture. One recent guest wrote on Facebook: “Give it till summer and this place is going to be the nuts. Lovely beers, cake and coffee in a friendly setting for cyclists, walkers and Joe Public alike. A work in progress, but stop by and support this great project and you’ll be able to say I was there at the start.” “These awards will help recognise the companies, services and people who go the extra mile to help give people with a learning disability more choice, improved independence and access to their communities. “This helps them live their lives without barriers and we hope highlighting these achievements will encourage others to look at what they can do to support people with a learning disability in their community.” Another cyclist commented: “This is a great place to spend time, combining the social sides of both cycling and going to the pub. The team are all enthusiastic with great creative ideas for this cycling café/workshop/pub. This place will enhance any ride out and is well worth swinging by.” A judging panel will go over the nominations after the closing date of 24th July, 5pm. Finalists will be invited to a ceremony at County Hall on 13th October. New developments are happening weekly at The Freewheel and owner Adrian Oliver has announced that he hopes to be running a cycling hire shop in time for the summer holidays. To enter, explain why you think someone should win by visiting www.kent.gov.uk/ldawards2015. You can also email [email protected] with your nomination or post to Joanne Cunningham, Kent County Council, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XX. Make sure you include your name and phone number and select , which category/categories you are entering your nominee into. To keep up to date with all news on The Freewheel, visit its Facebook page facebook.com/thefreewheelgraveney and follow it on Twitter @thefreewheelpub. 16