A charity based on the University of Leeds’ campus celebrated its ground-breaking communications work during a biannual awards event.
Communications Matters supports people of all ages who find it hard to communicate because they have little or no clear speech.
The registered charity works across the UK to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs. It hosts a variety of events including an annual conference, information, and study days for training people to learn more about Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) - a range of strategies and tools to help people who struggle with speech. The charity also commissions research, publishes a journal and hosts documents on policy and best practice in AAC.
We are delighted to be working with Leeds-based organisations, to demonstrate our impact as a university and our collaboration with the local community and the region.
The awards were established in 2019 to celebrate the AAC work of individuals, groups, and companies.
Helen Whittle, Chair of Communications Matters, said: "I was delighted to welcome more than 160 people to the 2023 Awards event at the University of Leeds this year.
“The awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the amazing successes in the field of AAC. We have been supported by our positive impact partners at both Stage@Leeds and the Conference and Events Team at the University."
The 2023 awards ceremony took place in the Esther Simpson building.
Professor Alice O’Grady, Dean: Student Education (Quality and Standards) at the University, attended the awards ceremony.
She said: “We are delighted to be working with Leeds-based organisations, to demonstrate our impact as a university and our collaboration with the local community and the region. It is great to work with such a wonderful charity who have a profound and significant impact in helping those who face and overcome barriers in communicating. The 10 awards given out recognised inspiring people and their contribution to the arts, innovation, impact, creativity, inclusivity, and research.”
Winners included: Liopa LLC (The AAC Innovation Award); Oli Cunningham (The Alan Martin Award); Joanna Holmes (The Anthony Hewson Make a Difference Award); Bernie Brophy-Arnott and Catherine Harris (The Jamie Munro Award); Toby Hewson (The Outstanding Community Inclusion Award); Stephen von Tetzchner (The Research Award); Jill Clark (The Rising Star Award); Chat Service Team (The Samantha Hunnisett Access Award); Pendle View School (The Setting of the Year Award); Tony Jones (CM Lifetime Achievement Award) and Anthony Lowe (CM Special Recognition Award).
Entertainment was provided by Sign Out Loud and Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy, the Patron of Communication Matters.
Further Information
Picture Credit: Jacob Lowe
For media enquiries, please contact University of Leeds Corporate Communications Officer Rebecca Hurrey on r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk.