A BARNSLEY College student has received national accreditation after launching a project to bring together people with special educational needs.
The Voices of SEND South Yorkshire conference, developed by digital support services student and SEND campaigner Tom Ashforth, held its first event last month.
Tom has now been recognised for his work, receiving Special Recognition in the Unity in Leadership for SEND category at the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) SEND Awards.
Sessions were led by Tom, along with fellow student Kayleigh Hendy and keynote speaker Ryan Noakes, and a Youth Charter was officially launched which featured pledges to better support students with SEND.
Tom said: “Receiving Special Recognition in the CDC Unity in Leadership for SEND Award is an honour that reflects the collective impact of the Voices of SEND project.
“Through my role as senior student consultant for SEND within the South Yorkshire College Partnership, this recognition reinforces my commitment to amplifying lived experience, championing inclusive change, and building a stronger regional voice for young people with SEND.”
