Inspirational Laura is PM's award winner - The Worcester Observer

Inspirational Laura is PM's award winner

Worcester Editorial 24th Feb, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

AN INSPIRATIONAL Worcester woman has received a prestigious award from the Prime Minister for her volunteer work with people with learning disabilities and autism.

Laura Gill, from Leigh, who has learning disabilities herself, was awarded the Point of Light award for creating the Monday Night Club, a weekly social club which provides exciting opportunities for more than 130 adults to have fun in a safe environment.

The 470th recipient of the award, where the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer every week day for making a change in their community, Laura started the club in 2011 at the Barbourne Ex-Services Club as a way to make new friends and have fun.

She said: “We do lots of fun things at the club. In the summer we made three music videos out and about in Worcester. Three of our club members sang at the top to the Cathedral Tower to We Will Rock You and were filmed by a drone camera.




“I was surprised, but very honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister. Unfortunately I didn’t meet him as he was very busy! If the opportunity arises I might get an invitation to Downing Street.

“We are all very good friends and I love to see all the smiling faces every Monday night.”


Laura, who is also Chair of Worcestershire People’s Parliament, a group that speak up on issues that affect people with learning disabilities in the country, was congratulated by Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, who welcomed her at Westminster for the Speak Easy Now ‘take-over’ day last year.

Robin said: “Laura is a fantastic example of how young women in Worcester are helping to support their peers and community. The Monday night club is a great example of a valuable social network for young people otherwise at risk of isolation and I am thrilled that the Prime Minister’s initiative has recognised this.

“Both Laura and her family have done an incredible job in volunteering and supporting people with learning difficulties in Worcester, and I have been impressed by Laura’s passion for empowering young people, and the energy for which she has pursued so many good causes.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Laura, whether it was through ‘take-over day’, People’s Parliament, Monday Night club or her campaigning for local groups,” said Mr Walker.

“Laura continues to do a remarkable job of representing people with learning difficulties and showing that they can overcome the challenges they face. Points of Lights is a great scheme to highlight the enormous contribution by volunteers in our communities and Laura is a worthy winner.”

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