05/06/2026
🙌 We are delighted that founder Sir Richard Stilgoe and staff member Nikki are finalists for this year's National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards!
Nikki is up for the Support Worker of the Year award, with over 25 years of dedicated service at Orpheus. She has been an unwavering and valued presence, embodying everything that outstanding support work represents.
She brings something truly special to Orpheus every day: her great sense of humour and her infectious laugh. She has a remarkable ability to lift spirits, reduce stress and bring joy to even the most challenging days.
Her kind and compassionate nature has supported countless young people to live their lives with greater independence. She consistently treats each individual with dignity, patience and respect, celebrating their achievements and offering encouragement. Her genuine care and belief in young people empower them to grow in confidence and independence.
Sir Richard is in the running for Outstanding Contribution award, most notably through the founding of the Orpheus Centre almost 30 years ago. His vision was simple yet powerful: to create a place where young disabled people could develop independence, confidence and life skills through creativity, performance and community. Today, that vision has transformed thousands of lives.
At the heart of Sir Richard’s work is a deep belief in potential and inclusion. Through the Orpheus Centre, he has championed an approach that places the individual at the centre, nurturing talents and enabling young people to find their voice - often quite literally through music, theatre and the arts. His commitment has not only empowered students but also influenced perceptions, challenging societal barriers and promoting greater understanding of learning disability and autism.
Both have made incredible contributions to the sector over the last 30 years, and their impact is felt throughout the whole of Orpheus. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to the awards ceremony on 19th June!
You can find out more details on the awards at www.nationalldawards.co.uk
