Bradley wins for championing inclusion - 2025 Learning Disability and Autism Leaders Awards Winner

Published 16 June 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Bradley George Wilson, a person we support in Lancashire, has won the Work and Education category at the prestigious Learning Disability and Autism Leaders Awards 2025, held earlier this month at the Millennium Gallery, Sheffield.

The Dimensions Learning Disability and Autism Leaders Awards celebrate the often-overlooked achievements of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Bradley was chosen from hundreds of inspiring nominees, recognised for his unwavering commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and community leadership.

The ceremony was hosted by Daniel Wakeford, a singer/songwriter with autism from Brighton and star of the TV show The Undateables, who also provided entertainment on the night, making the event even more memorable.

Bradley attended the ceremony with his family, representatives from Making Space, including, our CEO Rachel Peacock, and Associate Director of Operations Kim Smith, a proud celebration of his incredible journey.

Bradley, 31, began volunteering at just 18 and has since built an impressive legacy, from founding Spring Into Phab, a thriving social group run by and for people with learning disabilities, to shaping national conversations on inclusive health and social care. Through roles with NWTDT (North West Training & Development Team) & Pathways CIC, Together an Active Future, and UCLan’s Service Users and Carers Forum, Bradley continues to advocate for accessible, empowering spaces, always putting lived experience front and centre.

Since moving into Making Space supported living in 2020, Bradley has become a key voice in our Making Change Group, helped influence leadership strategies, and played a vital role in planning our annual People’s Awards.

Reflecting on his win, Bradley said:

I’m really happy to win – it’s great to be recognised, and I hope this shows that people with learning disabilities can do great things, make a real difference and our voices matter.

I volunteer because I love meeting people like me and helping to make services better for everyone. It’s so important that we share our experiences, so professionals understand how to support us properly. Being part of something like Spring Into Phab shows how important it is to have fun, be independent, and feel part of a community. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it – and I get a lot of joy from helping others.

Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, said:

We are absolutely thrilled that Bradley has won this award. His energy, drive, and commitment to co-production have not only shaped Making Space services but inspired everyone who meets him.

Bradley is more than a winner, he’s a leader, a role model, and a force for good. He leads with authenticity, warmth, and wisdom, and his passion and determination continue to create real change within our organisation and beyond.

His achievement is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people with lived experience are given space to lead, and everyone at Making Space is incredibly proud of him.

I’m so proud of everything Bradley has achieved, and it was a real pleasure to celebrate with him and his family at the event.

You can view the 7th annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders List Awards on YouTube, you can find Bradley about 1hr 20 minutes in.

We encourage more people to get involved with Making Space, whether through volunteering, joining a co-production group, or supporting advocacy initiatives. Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.