Press and Media
Grimsby learner scoops regional ‘Oscars’ award
A touch of Hollywood glamour was brought to the region by the Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards Yorkshire and the Humber 2008, (CoLaS), when Stewart Sleight from Grimsby was announced as a winner at the spectacular awards ceremony hosted by presenter Fearne Cotton.
Stewart, who is completing a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at the Grimsby Institute of Further Education was selected from over 250 nominees to win the CoLaS Health, Public Services and Care Award sponsored by Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority.
Stewart suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome, but this has not stopped him following his goals. Described as a key member of the Health and Social care course and an inspiration to other students, Stewart gives talks on living with autism and Asperger’s and is an active member of the shared home where he lives; he makes a difference to others every day and is an inspiration to everyone he meets.
On winning the award, Stewart Sleight said:
“It means the world to me, it really does. It’s absolutely amazing, not only for myself, but for the support staff at the Grimsby Institute as well. It’s not been easy living with my conditions and trying to achieve my goals, but being on this course has given me great confidence and determination and I’m thankful for that. My family are very proud and I’m very honoured to have won a CoLaS Award.”
Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health was set up in July 2006 and acts as the regional body for the NHS to promote better health and health-care across the region and aims to give patients a high-quality service. Sponsoring the award is a great opportunity to showcase their work and the significant improvements made in health-care in the region.
TV presenter Fearne Cotton, who earlier in the year rubbed shoulders with the stars on the red carpet of the Oscars in LA, was at The Harrogate International Centre to present the CoLaS awards. She said:
“The Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards are an important way to recognise the importance of learning and skills in all of our lives. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the CoLaS 2008 and especially witnessing the inspirational success stories of individuals’ and employers’ learning and skills achievements - many in the face of adversity.”
Stewart was joined on the red carpet by CoLaS event sponsors Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority, Digital 2010, Yorkshire and Humberside Assessment Limited, Community Training Services, R and B Group, Oracle Training Consultants and the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Skills Partnership and VIPs Wynford Dore, Scott Quinell and Steve Black. Over 1000 of the region’s business leaders, employers and education representatives also attended Yorkshire and the Humber’s equivalent to the learning and skills ‘Oscars’ to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the region’s top employers and individuals.
