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Bee-Able

1094. Lesley Senior

Lesley Senior, from North Yorkshire, is the leader of ‘Bee-Able’, a charity supporting young people with physical and learning disabilities in the Selby area.

Lesley Senior

As a special needs carer, Lesley was inspired in 2013 to establish a social group providing further support to those with learning disabilities in the area. After successfully gaining the support of over 140 local parents, the group grew into a charity that now provides regular weekly activities for young people to socialise with peers and build confidence. Lesley has also launched a service for adults aged over 18, holding sessions every weekday to help them develop life skills through a variety of activities such as community work. ‘Selby District Council’ and North Yorkshire County Council have been working with Lesley to help look at extending the service to include overnight stays for young people and their families and carers. She is also advising on setting up a similar model in Scarborough.

Lesley was presented with her award by her local MP Nigel Adams (pictured below).

Nigel Adams MP presenting Lesley with her award

In a personal letter to Lesley, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“The services you provide in Selby are invaluable for young people with physical and learning disabilities, and for their families and carers. You have shown remarkable dedication in ensuring that children have a safe and secure space in which to socialise, develop skills and gain confidence. I wish you well with your continued work.”

Lesley said:

“Wow. How did this happen, I love what I do and if I give these young people and adults a 100% then they give me double back. I also need to point out what a fantastic team I have working alongside me, I would not be able to continue my work without them. Also the general public within our area have given me and my team continued support with donations and kindness. ‘Minster FM’ support us on a yearly basis with Christmas presents and Easter eggs which again are donations from our ever supporting members of the public.”

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