Disabled local residents honoured for changing the way H&F works

Kevin Caulfield has played a huge role in supporting local Disabled residents in H&F. He worked as policy officer to the Disabled People's Commission. He said: "Wow. It's not often that 10 local Disabled people get recognised for their work. Tonight highlights just how far we've come over the past 10 years. I'm delighted."

A Hammersmith resident for more than 20 years, Kate has been determined to support people with long-term conditions to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. She said: "I feel so privileged to receive this honour for reimagining how we do things in H&F. I'm so glad to continue to support our work."

Victoria works full-time as a radio producer and is a tetraplegic wheelchair-user. She's an ambassador for the international disability charity CBM UK, a patron of the Friends of Sunera Foundation, and secretary of H&F Amnesty International group. She said: "I'm stunned. I never expected anything like this. Diversity enriches our community."

Ali was born and raised in London, being deaf in a hearing family. Going to a mainstream school with a deaf unit helped him develop his communication skills with both hearing and deaf people. He said: "I've lived in H&F for more than 20 years. I wanted to see a new way of doing things by working together to respect the rights of local Disabled people."

Martin serves as Chair of Safety Net – People First (SNPF) – a charity and self-advocacy group run for, and by, people with learning disabilities. He said: "I wasn't expecting this. Thank you! Seriously… me getting an award? Never! But working with all these amazing people has changed my life for the better. I love helping other Disabled people."

Mike has lived in the borough for most of his life. Up until his retirement he worked as a trade journalist, predominately specialising in infrastructure and transport issues. He said: "Being born in Hammersmith, this is a great honour for me. I didn't appreciate the scope of what we could achieve. And what we've started in H&F can be achieved across the nation."

David volunteered for several charities in the borough. He also serves as a volunteer, fundraiser and speaker for the Guide Dogs organisation. He is active in the community in particular the West Kensington Estate. Before losing his sight, he worked in the design industry for more than 20 years. He said: "This means a lot to me. I'm really grateful. Working to improve co-production gave me back the passion I lost when I lost my sight. I thank the council for the work it's doing to invest in the future of the borough."

Ramona lives in Hammersmith and has volunteered with many different organisations to help people who are blind or partially sighted. Ramona set up her own social enterprise, Eyes For Success CIC. She said: "I am truly honoured. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on the commission. It's a privilege to be part of the H&F community."

Jane is deaf and has lived in H&F for more than 30 years. She has worked with disability organisations at national, London and local level. Jane chaired the Disability Forum Planning Group, advising the council on ensuring access for Disabled people on major planning applications. Jane also co-chaired the Civic Campus Disabled Residents Team which championed co-production, accessibility, and inclusion for Disabled individuals. She said: "I'm absolutely astonished to be receiving the Freedom of the Borough. Thank you. Being ruthlessly inclusive is our mantra."