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 Sue created the charity when we couldn’t find any opportunities for Jen to be a community dance leader which was her dream job.

Jen’s mainstream aspirations have broken down many barriers in her mission to get the world dancing, transcending the need for words in a society that is driven by forms, especially in social and care which has always been part of Jen’s life. Jen continues to be an inspiration, mesmerising attendees at conferences as much as encouraging individuals to move their bodies in the best way for them in the community dance workshops she co-leads each week.

Jen said, “I’m amazed to receive this honour for what I love doing. I’m proud of who I am and the achievements of DanceSyndrome. It’s an honour to inspire others to dance and live a life of their choosing. I believe that everybody can dance and do things they love no matter how other people define us.”

Jen Blackwell BEM shares her first thoughts about receiving her honour

Professor of Social Care Chris Hatton said, “I have seen at first hand Jen’s phenomenal leadership in driving DanceSyndrome forward. Jen’s positivity, energy, kindness, creativity and skill as a dance leader is fundamental to DanceSyndrome’s values and activities. Jen is a multiple award winner, providing a vibrant and vital presence demonstrating a positive vision of inclusion. Jen and her leadership provides a model for the difference that organisations like DanceSyndrome can make. Jen is crucial to making this happen, and this honour for her outstanding achievement and contribution to society is entirely fitting.”

This is a phenomenal achievement for anyone, so we’re delighted that Jen’s passion for what she does has been recognised in this way. We hope that this will encourage others with learning disabilities to follow Jen’s motto – Dream, Believe, Achieve.

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