2022 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: Age
Helen Coppins is a mum to 3 young adults. Her middle child Matt is the reason she set up Nottingham Downs Syndrome Support Group (NDSSG) 17 years ago. Helen is a full-time carer to Matt and uses her spare time to run and organise NDSSG activities and sewing keepsakes. Helen also runs a football club for 70 players with a learning disability, and a baby/toddler group, makes awareness videos, creates baby packs for new parents, and organises numerous large events each year. In addition, alongside other mums and with support from the city council, Helen set up another group called Kidz United to provide activities and build friendships for those affected by the asylum process. The club ran for 6 years and expanded to a youth club that took children on trips and camps, and ran summer playschemes. Helen has carried out all this work voluntarily and is having a huge impact on the community.