Award-nominated disability campaigner celebrated

A disability campaigner shortlisted for a national award has been celebrated by his local council.

Mark Bate was nominated in the Breaking Barriers category at the Learning Disability and Autism Awards, last year.

Bate is supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Disabilities Team and attended an event at the Civic Centre to celebrate his recent national recognition.

He and his co‑trainer were nominated for their work helping to improve understanding of learning disabilities and autism across the workforce. They attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham, with Bate saying he "felt amazed" to reach the finals.

After spending time in hospital and now living in residential care, Bate has overcome significant challenges.

Securing paid employment and being shortlisted for a national award were described by his support team as "incredible achievements worth celebrating".

Bate said: "Having a job makes me very proud. I like to wear my lanyard and to meet all the different people – I am a winner."

Bate delivers the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism: the government's recommended programme for health and social care staff, which is co‑delivered by people with lived experience.

Councillor Paula Brookfield met Bate during the event, and said: "Mark's achievements are truly inspiring. He is helping to break down barriers, change attitudes, and improve care for others through his training work.

"We are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished, and the support he has been given by our disabilities team, and it was a pleasure to celebrate his success with him."

Brookfield said the council hoped to invite Bate to join their Adult Voice and Choice Forum, which works in partnership with residents and the council to explore how services can be co-produced and ensure they reflect the needs of the community.

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