Teddington based charity - The Enterprise - the Richmond branch of the top 100 national charity, United Response, shone at this year's National Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2022.

The award ceremony celebrates individuals, teams and businesses across the UK who continue to provide excellent support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

This year's event took place at The International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham with a total of 17 awards up for grabs.

Categories covered all areas of support from housing and employment to one-to-one support and advocacy work.

The Enterprise was shortlisted for the Making a Difference Award and twice for the Social Care Covid Hero award – as a team, and Enterprise manager Matt Campbell as an individual.

Commenting on the awards night, Enterprise Manager Matt said: "Events like these are so important as it highlights the behind the scenes work that goes in to what we do and showcases the impact we have on the lives of people we support who attend our sessions.

"It's not only important for all the nominees but it shows people we support that if you work hard, you will be recognised for it."

The Richmond/Teddington team's Highly Commended nod for the Social Care Covid Hero award was given to the organisation who had 'gone above and beyond during the Covid-19 crisis'.

Enterpirse Manager Matt Campbell and Team Leader Nora Kerezovic

The charity's nomination highlighted The Enterprise's dedication to making sure the people they support were catered for during the pandemic, maintaining communication through initiatives such as their selection of online activities including keeping fit classes, arts and crafts, bingo games and politics discussions.

In attendance from United Response Richmond and Kingston were Michael Condon, Matt Campbell, Nora Kerezovic, Tim Mitford, Dan Bell, Maame Ankomah and Sam, who the charity supports.

Dressed up for the glamorous event, the team enjoyed a three course meal and live performances from Britain's Got Talent stars Born To Perform, a Michael Bublé impersonator and a host of talented live bands.

Reflecting on the night Team Leader Nora added: "It's good for a whole host of reasons but the most important one is the people we support – the delight and pride they expressed when they heard the news was beautiful.

"They are very proud of the team, the support they receive for the activities and themselves. The Enterprise is theirs, full of their talent, character and fun.

"The Highly Commended award is a nod of approval and pat on the back for everything the Enterprise does and stands for – inclusion, integrity, growth, development, connection, friendship and fun."

To find out more about United Response's work in Teddington, and the upcoming fundraisers and events they have planned for the summer, check out their website here.