Just a few days ago Malcolm and I were camping with our trusty ‘big’ car tent (top left) by ourselves as it turned out, soaking up the glorious view over Lostwithiel in Devon. Whilst Jen, was loving living in style for a couple of days at the fancy Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road. She loves the whole experience of being … Read More
Changing lives one person at a time
When the idea for gathering dancers with and without learning disabilities together to learn skills, create choreography and support each other to develop it was because nothing existed to support our daughter Jen to do what she wanted to do – Dance. Jen, with a her support team at that time, came up with idea in her bedroom, then put … Read More
A box of books arrived
A box just arrived……..a box of books. Yes I’d ordered them, and yes, they’re all the same, but seeing your words in print in a proper book for the very first time is a proud moment. Really? Me? Why me? However did that happen? Who’d have thought? But then who’d have thought that the introverted shy 18 year old musician … Read More
Being a Disruptor for Good
I’m honoured and astounded to have been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards, Disruptor for Good. It seems unbelievable to be recognised for doing something that has simply been part of who I am, and who we are as the Blackwell family. When I gave birth to Jen, after a textbook pregnancy, it seems that I became a disruptor … Read More
If it needs doing…
As we reflect on some incredible things that have happened these past few months, I wanted to share this brilliant article that was first published in the Winter 2023 edition of Animated, and is reproduced by permission of People Dancing. All Rights Reserved. See www.communitydance.org.uk/animated for more information. Reflections on a decade of DanceSyndrome In November 2022, North-West based inclusive dance charity … Read More
King’s Birthday honour for Jen Blackwell BEM
We’re beyond amazed at the huge honour Jen has received, being recognized for her services to Disabled People in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 with a British Empire Medal (BEM). Jen, who has Down’s syndrome, has captured hearts and opened the minds of people she has met through her work with DanceSyndrome over the past fifteen years. Jen and … Read More