Award winner (2025)13th June 2025
Campaign 4 Change is a self and peer advocacy group who raise awareness of different issues and initiatives affecting people with learning disabilities and autistic people. They’re no strangers to the Leaders Awards, having been awarded in 2019 for their campaigning work.
In that same year, Samir and Francesca from Campaign for Change won a second award for their work encouraging more places to build ‘Changing Places’ toilets. Samir sadly passed away last year and will be remembered as a real force for change. His smile lit up many a room.
We all need a smile, especially through the tough times. That’s why our judges loved Campaign for Change’s latest entry, an art exhibition titled ‘What Makes me Smile.’ It’s an important reminder of people’s gifts and abilities at a time when the national focus is on needs and costs.
I helped set up the exhibition … and sold loads of paintings! Talking to the public was something I felt really nervous about at first [but] it gave me the confidence and independence to realise: I can do this…
Philippa, curator
Overall 60 autistic artists and artists with learning disabilities displayed 105 paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages, prints, ceramics and mosaics for 12 days, attracting nearly 200 visitors to the Robert Phillips Gallery in Walton-on-Thames. Some of the pieces were sold with one artist, Ruth, donating the proceeds to cancer charities. Why not see for yourself in this 360-degree gallery tour?
Perhaps most importantly, collaborative pieces of artwork by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities shows what can be achieved with inclusivity, co-production and connection.
Events like this really do show that people with disabilities are just as creative and expressive as anyone else.
Visitor
Campaign 4 Change were involved in all aspects of planning and delivering this ambitious project. Congratulations to everyone involved, and we can’t wait to hear about your next projects!