DanceSyndrome founder honoured with Prime Minister's Points of Light Award

A Chorley woman with Down's syndrome has been recognised by the Prime Minister for helping people living with disabilities to improve their dancing skills.
Jen BlackwellJen Blackwell
Jen Blackwell

Jen Blackwell is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Jen set up DanceSyndrome in 2009 to run inclusive dance workshops across Lancashire after struggling to find a course that was disability friendly and would help her pursue her dream of a career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Her classes attract 100 participants each week and every year their performances reach audiences of over 6,000 people. Jen’s dance group have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and City Hall in London, challenging perceptions of disabled people and sharing her message of inclusivity.

Read More
MD of Lancashire charity DanceSyndrome shortlisted for Enterprise Vision Award

In a personal letter to Jen, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Through DanceSyndrome you have created an accessible environment where people of all abilities can share your love of dance. Your community workshops and performances are improving the fitness and wellbeing of young people with learning difficulties and sending a positive message about the importance of inclusion.”

Jen said: “I’m so thrilled to be recognised by the Prime Minister. Dancing is my life, I am passionate about dance and about supporting people like me to have opportunities in the dance world. Winning this award shows that people with learning disabilities can do amazing things with their lives if given a chance.”

Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “Congratulations to Jen on her huge success with DanceSyndrome and with her deserved Points of Light award. It is clear that dance workshops like these should be available to all and I am keen to learn more about how they can help individuals meet personal challenges at the same time as entertain audiences at massive events like the Edinburgh Fringe.”