BAPS Award Winners 2021
We are delighted to present the BAPS Award Winners for 2021.
Our wonderful winners were announced by Mathew Horne in an awards ceremony at the stunning Athena Leicester on 3rd November 2021. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Best Use of Media
Winner: Let’s Talk Autism Podcast
‘These two wonderful ladies produce podcasts shining a light on many different aspects of SEND family life. In particular they created a podcast marathon to raise money for the National Autistic Society at the beginning of April. Committed to spreading awareness and acceptance, I feel they are well worth recognition.’

Bloody Awesome Parent
Winner: Carla Golledge, Cameron’s Smile
‘Despite, their own ill health, tiredness and exhaustion, this person is always trying to help others, posts informative information for others to get an insight in to their world and fights for services and funding for her child’s care and needs. This person raises awareness about sight and hearing loss every single day. They are a phenomenal person who deserves recognition.’

Post with the biggest impact
The Long Chain– Journey’s end.
‘I don’t think I will ever read a piece of writing and be as moved as I was reading this. It was symbolic, poetic and the most emotional words that I have yet to read. It will stay with me forever and I think that it would be amazing if this post was celebrated to show respects to a family who are incredibly brave.’

Championing SEND
Winner: Kirsty Green, SNAP Parent Carer Forum
‘This person tirelessly represents parents of children with SEND. They are NEVER intimidated by their local authority. A true SEND champion and massively respected. I have learnt so much from them and it’s fantastic to have an ally.’

Community Support
Winner: Give Us a Break
‘This organisation were unable to run their usual activities during the pandemic, but the team managed to create some wonderful activity packs for children and families to enjoy together during the year, as well as working to run activities now that we are more safely able to. The whole team spend so much time volunteering to help run and provide children and young adults with complex needs in and around their local area, fun family activities’

Educating Education
Winner: PDA Parenting
‘This person voluntarily delivers talks and workshops to improve outcomes for so many children and young people.’ ‘They have given up their time to speak at conferences, workshops and to deliver training in schools, as well as for charities and to universities to spread their experiences and create better opportunities for others.’

Making a Difference
Winner: Sarah Chapman, Operation Diversity
‘This person champions other parents and their children and puts in more hours a week than anyone else known to man.’
‘They are not only a fearless advocate, they are neurodivergent and raising their ND children to be awesome too.’

Newcomer
Winner: Our Life Loving Lucas
‘This person has made a huge impact on the down syndrome world since starting her blog when her child was born. They do an amazing job raising awareness, spreading the word and sharing their beautiful little boy with the world. They deserve to be recognised for her efforts!’

Travel and Accessibility
Winner: Kids on Tour – Autism without limits
‘This blog has helped our family so many times. It first inspired us to realise we could still travel with our autistic children and then time and time again we have looked up places we want to visit and found the information we need.’

Truth about SEND
Winner: Stories About Autism
‘The most truthful & honest personal events which so many parents & others find comfort in relating to their families… not only at difficult times but also, where appropriate, with a sense of humour.’
A fabulous night was had by all and we hope to make next years awards even better. If you want to stay in the loop about the BAPS Awards sign up to My Family, Our Needs and we’ll notify you when nominations open for 2022, or follow us on social media.
Thanks to our sponsors and everyone else who contributed to the night – it wouldn’t have been possible without your help!