ECL West Essex Celebratory Awards

Presenter, broadcaster and life coach Jeff Brazier made a heart-warming guest appearance at the event. He presented the awards and took time to make the excited guests feel very special. He remarked on twitter “A little time out of your day can go a long way. Thank you for having me & congratulations to all of the ECL winners! It was a privilege to attend”.

What made this event particularly special was that it was the adults with learning disabilities that played a major role in the planning of the event.

From choosing the theme of the event, nominating the award winners to compiling the DJ’s play list, the adults with learning disabilities were involved every step of the way. They were able to showcase the skills learnt at the ECL day services by providing the catering, creating beautiful table centres and even making the ‘selfie frames’ and the winners’ trophies – lovely ceramic plates bearing the ECL heart logo.

The third of four celebratory events being held by ECL across Essex, the West Essex Region opted for a ‘Glitz and Glamour’ themed party. 200 guests attended the Harlow Hotel looking very glamorous as they approached the entrance on a red carpet, their special moment being captured by professional photographers.

Seventeen awards were presented at the ceremony including awards for ‘most progression achieved’, ‘most creative service user’ and ‘most inspirational staff member’. The beautiful singing voice of Vanessa, one of the service users from ECL Walter Boyce (Brentwood) entertained the guests during afternoon tea and everyone was presented with their own personal medal ‘for being a star’.

ECL was established by Essex County Council in 2009 as the UK’s first Local Authority Trading Company, providing care and support in South East England for residents at home and in local communities. With over 1,000 employees, ECL supports over 50,000 people each year to live independent and fulfilling lives.