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Our 15th birthday didn’t end when the daytime celebrations wrapped up. In the evening we gathered with partners, founders, trustees, and colleagues to reflect on our journey so far and look ahead to what the future holds. The reception carried a mood of celebration and recognition, as we looked back on the milestones of the past 15 years and the many people and organisations who have helped make them possible.
It was an evening filled with warmth and appreciation. A chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that has been achieved so far. Together, we looked back on the history of the Of Course We Can programme which has created new opportunities for thousands of disabled children and young people to try new things, make friends, and build confidence since 2010. We were delighted to hear from two Of Course We Can participants, Ben and Harrison, on just how much of an impact the programme has made to them over the years.
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The Of Course We Can Pioneer Awards
One of the highlights of the evening was presenting the Of Course We Can Pioneer Awards. These awards were created to honour organisations who have been part of the programme’s journey from it’s creation to present day. Their dedication has shaped the landscape of inclusive opportunities in Gloucestershire, and their creativity has helped countless young people experience the joy of taking part.
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Receiving their awards on the night were:
- Creative Sustainability
- St Rose’s School
- ArtShape
- Fat Squirrel
- The Music Works
- Artspace Cinderford
- Move More
- Gloucestershire Deaf Association
Alongside these, we were delighted to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of A+bility, TwoCan Inclusive Theatre, Greenwoods Therapeutic Horticulture, Acting Up!, Bloodhound Education, KDance Foundation, Cirencester Opportunity Group, Sladebank Woods, World Jungle and Wychwood Festival, who will receive their awards over the coming weeks.
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Each of these organisations has helped to grow Of Course We Can into what it is today: a rich and varied programme that reflects the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. From residential breaks to outdoor adventures, music sessions to circus skills, dance, theatre, and more. They have all made inclusion something tangible, joyful, and real for young people and their families.
As one of our speakers put it on the night, “Sometimes you walk into a place and just know it’s special” and that sentiment sums up what every one of these pioneering organisations brings to Of Course We Can.
We were proud to celebrate them all, and we are even prouder to continue working alongside them as we look to the future.
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If you are looking to find out more about Short Breaks in the county, check out our latest Guide to Short Breaks. If you are an activity provider who would like to find out more about being part of the Of Course We Can inclusive short breaks programme, please get in touch.
This was just one part of a truly inspiring evening. In our next blog, we’ll share the stories of the Inclusive Activities Awards – shining a spotlight on three organisations across Gloucestershire who are taking bold steps to open up opportunities for every child and young person.
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