Inspirational charity co-founder Jen Blackwell, who has Down’s syndrome, has been recognized for her services to Disabled People in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Jen, 41, from Lancashire captures hearts and opens the minds of people she meets through her work with DanceSyndrome; the charity she co-created when she couldn’t find the opportunity to be a community dance leader, simply because she had a learning disability.
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.”
“Her passion for what she does, her desire to bring dance to everyone, her recognition of how liberating dance can be and how it breaks down barriers and gives people a voice to speak (especially those who traditionally have not had a voice) have meant that DanceSyndrome is now a thriving and much sought-after dance company. Jen is thoroughly deserving of the recognition for her services to dance and opportunities for disabled people” said Sarah Kennedy, supporter and lecturer on the BSc learning disabilities nursing & social work (Integrated Practice) Programme.
Jen has always believed she’s entitled to live a life of her choosing and that everyone in society has the ability to follow their dreams if they are given the chance and right support. Jen wanted to live her dream of being a community dance leader and found herself in the frustrating position of being unable to fulfil her ambition because there was no suitable training for a person with a learning disability. With her support team and main carers at the time, her Mum and Dad, Jen developed the idea for getting people of all abilities dancing in their local communities.
Through Jen and her team’s innovative approach to finding solutions to being allowed to be an active member in society, Jen and DanceSyndrome have inspired thousands of people over the past 14 years to believe in themselves and find their voice. Many participants, and their carers, talk about the incredible impact on their lives that Jen and DanceSyndrome have had, giving them purpose and a focus to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Dad of a trained Dance Leader, who also has a learning disability, said, “DanceSyndrome activities lead to a healthy lifestyle with both physical and emotional benefits for all those involved. This benefit for people of varying disabilities should not be understated. DanceSyndrome has enabled and created a meaningful social life for all their members, their families and in turn associated communities.”
DanceSyndrome now runs nine regular Everybody Dance sessions, five in person across Lancashire and four online, plus dance technique classes each week engaging about 250 people in activities which encourage physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. The charity runs specially developed inclusive awareness training for businesses, universities and health professionals as well as dance leadership training level 1 and 2 for people with and without learning disabilities. DanceSyndrome has a dance company which will be showcasing a newly created piece at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
In 2022 the charity engaged with over 4500 people through its dance workshops, leadership training, inclusive awareness training and attendance at conferences and events.
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.”
Jen has been awarded a British Empire Medal for Services to Disabled People, which will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire. This recognition is even more significant than most due to the nature of Jen’s intellectual disability.
Jen and DanceSyndrome will be performing live at a public station takeover at Blackpool North train station on Saturday 24th June 10.30am – 1pm which is part of Learning Disability Awareness Week events. DanceSyndrome’s Dance Leaders who have Learning Disabilities, will be leading dance routines for people using the station to watch and join in with. They will be also giving inspiring speeches to members of the public to talk about their work and what they are achieving in their careers. They hope to inspire people to see that having a learning disability doesn’t have to be a barrier to living a successful and fulfilled life, showing what the impact that Jen and her charity have had on disabled people and their families.