NSPCC employee and Hemel Hempstead resident, Shirley Wilson, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023. Shirley, who joined the NSPCC in March 2011, received the award for services to the Deaf and Deaf/blind communities.
Shirley works as a Senior Consultant for Deaf and disabled children and young people at the NSPCC and works with a wide range of high-profile organisations, including the NSPCC, across the UK to improve safeguarding for Deaf and disabled children and young people by using leverage and influence to change practices.
Shirley explained: “I am still shell-shocked about receiving my award. I am Deaf and have been from birth. I use British Sign Language (BSL) as well as speech. It is wonderful to be recognised for raising the profile of marginalised groups and as I am part of the Deaf Community it has been an honour to do this work.
“Throughout my career and in my personal life, I have always sought to increase awareness of Deaf and Deafblind Communities and those with disabilities. I have worked in mainstream local authorities for over 30 years and for over 11 years with the NSPCC.
“Through the various projects and commissions of all my work, I have strived to make a difference to the lives of those who do not have the same opportunities.”
At the NSPCC, Shirley improves access to and supports the development of resources to progress safeguarding nationally e.g. BSL PANTS project, DeafZone. She also initiated and delivered the first national safeguarding conference on Deaf children in 2016 which was a multi-agency conference held at the University of Manchester.
Shirley added: “This award fills me with pride and humility that I am being recognised for my work with Deaf and Deafblind Communities, and as a Deaf person, the award is as much for the communities as myself. It also gives me an opportunity to buy a new frock and to visit the Palace!”
Prior to working at the NSPCC, Shirley worked at local authorities across London and Hertfordshire, where she set up the Communicator Guide Service for Deafblind people in two local authorities.
She also introduced a Buddy Mentor Scheme’ which aimed to support people with disabilities in employment or seeking work, by providing a mentor to support them through this. The Scheme won the Community Care National Disability Award.
Andrew Skea, NSPCC Assistant Director for the East of England said: “Congratulations Shirley on a very well-deserved award. Shirley has dedicated her life to ensuring marginalised groups have the help and support they need and that is so inspiring.
“Thank you, Shirley, for your 11 years’ service at the NSPCC – you’ve made a huge difference to those inside and outside the organisation.”
Childline is there for all children including those from the Deaf Community. Children can use SignVideo via this link to contact our counsellors about whatever worry or concern they may have. There is also a dedicated DeafZone page on the Childline website too.
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