We were delighted to attend Mansfield Rotary Club’s annual Courage Awards last week to see Adam Hooley who attends Reach Mansfield receive his courage award. The event, now in it’s 30^th year took place via Zoom and Adam was presented with his award virtually, by Kate Allsopp, Mansfield Rotary Club President. Adam was nominated by Reach Mansfield Centre Manager, Maria Williams because of his positive outlook on life and how he coped (and is still coping) during the COVID-19 lockdowns/restrictions.

Maria explains further: “Adam is an example to us all – he always endeavours to be positive and see the good in everything and everybody. In 2020 when we went into the first lockdown it was a very confusing time for him and he was isolated from all his friends and family, this made it quite a challenging time for him and his mental wellbeing. Adam is a very social individual and found not seeing all his family and friends and the lack of his usual routine difficult – however he managed to work through the difficult times with the support of his dad and Reach and still managed to keep his sunny disposition. When he could he attended the gym and adopted a healthy mind healthy body mentality, he also walked around his local park once or twice per day. He has faced many challenges in his past which has shaped him to be a kind, non -judgmental person”.

Barrie, Adam’s Dad described the courage awards as “just wonderful, and we were all touched and so proud listening to the account of Adam. Thank you.”

Adam featured in a Reach film during the first lockdown to demonstrate how it was affecting people with learning disabilities which can be viewed here. Adam’s ambition is to gain his black belt in Jujitsu and one day go onto teaching other adults with learning disabilities.

Well done Adam from everyone at Reach, we couldn’t be prouder!

You can watch the 2021 Courage Awards Ceremony here.