A Wigan based team has been named winners of the Community Group award at this year’s prestigious Scope Disability Equality Awards.

Wigan-based Happy Smiles Training were awarded for its work in delivering disabled-led inclusive training to schools, community groups and businesses. In 2023, the organisation delivered training to over 4000 people. Other achievements include supporting 23 disabled people into long-term volunteering or employment and being commissioned by Wigan Council to develop a three-year EDI strategy. Happy Smiles Training take a solutions-based approach by raising awareness creatively. This includes an award-winning children’s book series co-designed by people with lived experience which informs children and families about long-term health conditions

James Taylor, Scope’s Executive Director Strategy Impact and Social Change said:

“It is fantastic to be able to announce the well-deserved winners of the Scope Disability Equality Awards and recognise their amazing contributions to helping drive social change.

“The winners and nominees show us all there are so many individuals and organisations committed to creating a more inclusive society for disabled people and they should all be extremely proud of their achievements.

“The Scope Disability Equality Awards demonstrate how much progress is being made in transforming attitudes but there is still so much more to do to achieve an equal future for all disabled people.”