Company: DanceSyndrome, UK
Nomination Submitted by: Blackwellsbiz
Company Description: Creating communities where everybody matters and has equality of opportunity to lead happy, healthy and purposeful lives contributing to society. Co-founded by Sue and Jen Blackwell after 10 years of searching offered no opportunities for Jen to fulfil her dreams to dance and contribute to society. Jen has an intellectual disability and is a role model of what's possible with the right support.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Organization of the Year - Non-Profit or Government Organizations - Small
 Nomination Title: DanceSyndrome
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 197 words used.
We’ve broken the mould. Set up in 2009 out of lack of opportunity for our co-founder, Jen Blackwell, DanceSyndrome, is a multi-award-winning pioneering charity, featured on national TV, and cited as a model of good practice. Jen was recognized in the Kings Birthday Honours List for services to disabled people in 2023. Jen has Down’s syndrome. She was written off at birth, her parents told, “put her in a home and forget her”. That’s not who they are, or who we are. Everybody matters and has something to contribute.
At DanceSyndrome diversity is the norm, inclusion our foundation. There are no barriers, hurdles to clear or glass ceilings to break through – every human has something to offer to the conversation, society; empowering people to live with confidence.
People with intellectual disabilities lead. They empower, constantly inspiring all involved to innovate in response to the dreams and aspirations of those we work with. We listen intently to people generally written off by society, creating opportunities, giving them a voice to be heard.
We’ve created a dynamic, energized community of people sharing on different stages their unique creativity, following their passion for life, walking tall with purpose, valued.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
The last two years have transformed DanceSyndrome - reaching more communities, impacting more lives. In demand to share our unique model of working recognizing the valuable contribution of every individual, no matter what ability they have.
Awarded 3-year funding for community work by the National Lottery followed shortly after by 3 years National Portfolio Status by the Arts Council, the charity is recognised as a trailblazing dynamic social enterprise making a difference to those in society who are often forgotten.
Increasingly invited to work alongside national and regional organisations, including a pioneering video project with the National Health Service inspiring activity and inclusion, shows people with learning disabilities empowered in leadership roles.
Co-founders Sue and Jen Blackwell recognized Charity Champions at Best Business Women Awards.
February 2023 we celebrated 10 years as a charity and national dance celebrity Giovanni Pernice asked to be an ambassador after his visit for national TV the previous summer.
Jen was awarded British Empire Medal for services to disabled people.
Performed at the Edinburgh Fringe for the 3rd time alongside increased requests to perform at national business and community events, including headline presentations.
Commended for Inclusive Innovation at the Northern Power Women Awards March 2024, whilst co-founder Sue was Shortlisted for Disruptor for Good.
Shortlisted in the Charity Film Awards, followed by the auspicious recognition as the Music and Culture for Wellbeing Award winner in the Northern Music Awards.
New Youth dance group reach national final after six months together in their first public performance.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
It’s hard to measure transformation – being valued as a human being; developing friendships; feeling part of something instead of being isolated and not accepted for who you are. From being written off as “won’t amount to much” to being awarded a King’s Honour – how do we measure the impact of that? Not just on the individual but the community they live and work in, and the people they inspire through workshops and presentations they lead?
DanceSyndrome offers progression pathways, leadership development opportunities and challenges the perceptions of organisations in all sectors about what’s possible.
For a charity focused on empowering people with intellectual disabilities to be recognised regionally and nationally in business and cultural awards for their work and impact is a highly unusual. We contribute to social equity, sharing widely through our growing network.
More people are becoming active citizens contributing to society, which reduces the need for public service support in some instances. The parents and carers of, and people with learning disabilities, are creating happier lives through growth and development, opportunities, health and wellbeing and employment outcomes.
Professor of Social Care Chris Hatton: “I am of the opinion that Jen and her leadership of DanceSyndrome provides a model for the difference that organisations can make. Encouraging people to be involved in physical activity, encouraging people to develop their creative dance skills and fulfilling careers, supporting mutually sustaining friendships, all while showing the world what is possible, are all vital for tackling health inequalities. “
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Inclusive Innovation submission, Commended in the Northern Power Women Awards 2024, adds detail about the charity history and current impact.
Recognition of our work alongside international renowned artists at Northern Music Awards 2024 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxr3nq3veqpo
Unique model of working by DanceSyndrome , shortlisted in charity film awards 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4W8SAcu_EQ
Featured on government health website, inspiring possibilities through dance https://socialcare.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/29/dancing-for-fun-and-inclusivity/
SENse dance challenging stereotypes, first performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AYNbLwsu68
Seen on national TV, Steph’s Packed Lunch Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvgo4-1GH7U and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AERJWvPiT_0
National pioneering project with NHS showing people with learning disabilities as leaders with opportunities to develop themselves, who share the mental and physical benefits of dance, community and development: https://learningdisabilitynurse.co.uk/dancesyndrome
Charity Champion Best Businesswomen Awards 2022 – “DanceSyndrome is truly a beacon of light, hope and empowerment” https://youtu.be/qQgQgG3N3UY?feature=shared
Jen honoured by the King https://caretalk-business.co.uk/2023/06/19/former-learning-disabilities-autism-awards-winner-jen-blackwell-honoured-by-king-for-services-to-disabled-people/
Encouraging people with intellectual disabilities to dream, believe, achieve https://www.communitydance.org.uk/DB/animated-library/living-the-dancesyndrome-dream
Conversation with Professor Chris Hatton, an expert in intellectual disabilities, understanding the roots and consequences of inequalities faced, and their impact. Recorded June 2023 https://youtu.be/EAc85qjtgts?feature=shared&, shows Jen’s BEM award is most unusual for someone with a learning disability.
National recognition – Queens Award for voluntary services - https://dancesyndrome.co.uk/dancesyndrome-wins-queens-award-for-voluntary-services/
Ambassador with learning disability shows the Prime Minister what’s possible https://dancesyndrome.co.uk/becky-rich-10-downing-street/
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