Women's awards offer 'chance to be a role model'

Women who are helping their communities with everything from support for neurodiversity to tackling fly-tipping say they hope to be positive role models.

The West Northants Inspirational Women Awards coincided with International Women's Day on Sunday.

Nominee Diane Johnson, who set up EnFold Autism Support in Northampton, said: "It's really lovely that people are being recognised for their journeys: it's offering a chance to use that experience and be a kind of role model."

Photographer Khandie Rees added: "International Women's Day is an opportunity to highlight talents of all women - but also to understand that women everywhere should be celebrated regardless of what lifestyle they choose."

The annual awards, organised by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), hope to "shine a spotlight on women who lead with integrity, break down barriers and create opportunities for others."

Johnson said her own journey was "really tricky" as her autism diagnosis had not come until adulthood.

"I didn't get the support that I needed, which led to enduring mental health issues.

"It's important people know that, just because you have those adverse experiences as a child, it doesn't define who you are.

"I think when you get the support, when you understand who you are, then that enables you to shine," she said.

Also shortlisted were friends Julia, Ann and Mandy, whose initials formed the name of their project "JAM - Helping Out".

"We are literally just three ladies who help in the local community voluntarily," said Ann Brebner.

The group has raised £40K by launching events and supporting local charities.

"We are part of the local community that we want to make an impact in.

"We have networking events, fundraising events, we will turn our hand to almost anything to help the community."

She said it was not just about raising money but also "raising awareness".

"These smaller charities do not have a marketing team, so we like to show as much as possible about them and what they do on social media."

Brebner said the awards "mean so much to be recognised", although that was not their motivation.

"We do it for the impact that we have on the local community and we love what we do, but we also realise that what a role model we are to other females out there in the community and beyond - and that's really important to us too," she said.

Rees has used her skills to run free photography workshops for children in care, people with disabilities and retired or older adults.

The podcaster also documents fly-tipping and has seen her videos going viral.

"As I work more with the community, I noticed how fly-tipping really impacts people and their feelings about the area.

"I wanted to highlight it, because when you look at it individually, it's not a massive issue, but collectively, it's huge.

"If you're less able-bodied, people sometimes cannot get onto the pavement because of the rubbish."

Regarding the award, she said: " I'm just doing what a lot of people are already doing. Like the fly-tipping, the Wombles [litter pickers] are already out there doing it.

"I'm just using my knowledge of photography and videography to push it further.

"I know it's really cheesy to say that, but I'm just doing what I've always done and someone's noticed," she added.

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