Celebrating Excellence: Discovery’s NLDA 2025 Finalists

This year, we proudly shine a spotlight on the inspiring colleagues and teams who go above and beyond to make a real difference.

Their dedication, innovation, and compassion have earned them nominations for the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2025. Here are some of their incredible stories:

Terry’s Team – Supporting People with a Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (Finalist!)

Terry’s life has transformed thanks to his personalised support team. Previously seen as ‘complex’ and potentially heading for placement breakdown, Terry’s team used a person-centred approach to truly understand his gifts and abilities.

Working closely with his family and health professionals, they created a tailored plan that helped Terry become an active part of his community. Now, he visits shops, leisure centres, and is building friendships—his health and happiness have blossomed. His family reports he is the happiest they’ve seen him, with behaviour that reflects his joy.

The team’s passion and ongoing plans showcase their unwavering commitment to Terry’s dreams.

Kim Furniss and Frome DCA – Supporting Older People with a Learning Disability (Finalist!)

Kim’s perseverance and creative approach have marked a remarkable journey of safeguarding and advocacy for Anna. Despite numerous challenges, including risks from smoking and falls, Kim’s team remained steadfast. They innovated solutions and involved Anna in decisions, ensuring her safety while respecting her wishes.

A dedicated Christmas effort saw Kim personally supporting Anna to keep her safe. An epilepsy specialist nurse praised their kindness, proactivity, and responsiveness.

Today, Anna enjoys her new home, no longer lonely or at risk of fire, thanks to Kim’s determination. Their work embodies courage and compassionate care, transforming lives.

Keinan Cooper – Frontline Leader Award (Finalist!)

Starting as a support worker, Keinan’s ambition saw him develop into a dynamic leader before his mid-20s. He led a project establishing the ‘trusted assessor’ role, helping review and plan support for individuals efficiently.

Keinan’s professionalism and friendliness have garnered praise from colleagues and partners alike, who appreciate his ability to set achievable goals and involve everyone respectfully.

His work has reduced review backlogs and improved individuals’ lives, demonstrating how dedication at the frontline creates lasting change. Keinan’s ambition continues to inspire those he supports and works with.

Team Ashbury – Supporting Older People with a Learning Disability (Finalist!)

This compassionate team exemplifies excellence in caring for older adults with complex health needs, including those on end-of-life pathways. Their skills in recognising early health deterioration, collaborating with health professionals, and delivering holistic, empathetic care are outstanding.

A family member commended their dedication, highlighting how they have enriched their loved ones’ lives—supporting routines, organising final wishes, and providing comfort. Their unwavering commitment ensures dignity, health, and happiness for the people they support, inspiring everyone around them.

Discovery Supported Employment Team – The People’s Award (Finalist!)

Discovery’s team believe in the power of employment to bring purpose and connection. Supporting around 250 people across Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and Dorset, they create diverse opportunities—from supported internships to paid work placements. Highlights include a young man starting management training after impressing at a logistics firm, and another securing paid employment after volunteering consistently.

Having successfully received a grant to continue supported employment in Somerset, they are currently supporting 122 people at different stages of their employment pathway.

Supported Internships

Supported Internship opportunities for young people (16-25) moving from education to employment and having a pathway that links directly to employers. The team will be delivering 16 Supported Internships from September 2025 and have a 70% transition into employment, with companies such as Asda, Amazon, amongst others, complementing a long-standing internship with Hinkley Point C.

Their national Supported Internship Day, where everyone wore orange and celebrated with community awards, showcased a vibrant commitment to inclusive employment.

The team even managed to arrange for Somerset Council and Leonardo (the home of British Helicopters!) to light up their buildings in Orange! Local Mayors, MP’s and CEO’s were all in attendance – the team were thrilled to see so much engagement.

In a country where only 5.1% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, this team of fine colleagues, many of whom have lived experience, is shaping a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through meaningful work.

Well done to all!

These stories reflect the extraordinary efforts and heart of colleagues and teams committed to making a difference every day. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing their ongoing impact.