News

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is proudly celebrating a colleague recognised as a finalist in the 2025 National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards.

Carly Davies Gardiner, a nurse in Herefordshire's Community Learning Disabilities Team, has been shortlisted for the Breaking Down Barriers Award.

This award celebrates an individual or organisation who has worked to make sure people get clear information and can contribute their views and experiences.

Carly has been recognised for her innovative work in collaboration with Turning Point in Hereford. Carly adapted their managing alcohol programme workbooks into easy-read formats, which has made a really positive difference for patients. In one example, a patient has shown significant improvements in understanding and retaining information to support their health, leading to a period of sobriety.

Michelle Billings, Clinical Lead for the Learning Disabilities Service at the Trust said: "Carly’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible has earned her a well-deserved spot on the shortlist. I'm really proud of all the fantastic work she is doing to make patient lives better and I wish her all the best for the awards."

Turning Point plans to implement the adapted programme nationally so that even more patients can benefit from Carly’s work.

Carly commented, "I feel very honoured to be shortlisted. Something as simple as using pictures, photos or diagrams in healthcare can help patients understand their health information better.”

The winners will be announced on 4 July 2025.

Notes to editor:

• Picture: Carly Davies Gardiner, Community Learning Disabilities Nurse in Herefordshire.
• Turning Point is a leading social enterprise, designing and delivering health and social care services in the fields of substance use, mental health, learning disability, autism, acquired brain injury, sexual health, homelessness, healthy lifestyles, and employment.
• The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards website.