Shared Lives ambassador Vicky wins national Learning Disabilities & Autism Award

Vicky, who is supported by Shared Lives West Northamptonshire, was named winner of the Making a Difference Award at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026, held at the ICC in Birmingham on 19th June. 

The award celebrates people who work creatively and passionately to promote inclusion, belonging and equal access, helping make positive change happen in people’s lives. 

As an ambassador for the Shared Lives for Young People Leaving Care programme, Vicky uses her lived experience to help improve support for care-experienced young people and raise awareness of Shared Lives. 

Over the past year, she has represented Shared Lives nationally, contributed to recruitment panels and interviews, helped social workers and carers improve support for young people and co-delivered Oliver McGowan training for local organisations. She also supports Shared Lives West Northamptonshire by sitting on approval panels for new Shared Lives carers and helping run awareness events. 

The award recognises the difference Vicky is making both locally and nationally, helping ensure more young people feel included, valued and connected. 

Congratulations Vicky on this fantastic achievement!

Find out more about the awards: National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026