• A manager from Priory’s Adult Care division nominated for prestigious National Learning Disabilities & Autism Award
• Martin Hunter is a finalist in the ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ category
• Winner will be announced on October 29
• He supported a service user with autism gain a degree and a job
• The service user has thrived in his new role and won an ‘excellence award’ himself

A Priory care manager who supported an adult with autism to finally complete a degree and find a job which he loves in customer services has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Martin Hunter, service manager for Priory Supported Living, Scotland, has been shortlisted in the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards, after being nominated by the service user.

The service user himself has already won his own plaudit from his employers for ‘excellence in customer service’. It is a huge achievement after years of endeavour which had seen the service user struggling with anxiety and stress.

The awards celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and businesses in the learning disabilities and autism sector. They acknowledge people who support those with learning disabilities and autism and recognise inspirational individuals who make a real difference within their communities.

Martin is a finalist in the ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ award category. The winner will be announced at a gala evening, which will take place on October 29 in Birmingham.

Martin took over the management of Priory Supported Living Scotland in 2018. The service supports people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live happy and fulfilling lives in their own homes within their communities.

One service user was finding it challenging to complete qualifications and secure employment as a result of his autism which manifested itself in anxiety and stress. Martin supported the individual for many years to complete qualifications and to get a job which suited them and which they enjoyed. The service user has now completed a degree, and the job is going so well that he has won an ‘excellence in customer service’ award.

Martin said; “The main thing I am happy with is that one of our service users is so pleased with the support provided and thinks we deserve an award for this. It’s not been the best of years for everyone, but a particularly tough year for myself both at work and personally, so it is a real boost to be shortlisted for this. I consider this a nomination for the full team that is involved. They do a fantastic job.”

Rebekah Cresswell, Chief Operating Officer of Priory Adult Care, said; “It’s immensely rewarding when a gentleman we care for is able to achieve their potential in this way, and we are delighted that Martin has been a significant part of this and nominated by that individual for this award. It’s fantastic to see the hard work of the team at Priory Supported Living Scotland recognised and we wish Martin the very best of luck at the final awards ceremony.  We are so proud of him; his commitment and tenacious leadership is inspirational to us all.”

Notes to Editor

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About Priory Group

The Priory Group is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and rehabilitation services, supporting the needs of 26,500 people a year. It treats more than 70 different conditions including depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across its nationwide network of 321 sites. Priory is in the process of integrating with MEDIAN, Germany’s largest provider of rehabilitation, neurology and orthopaedic treatments, which operates 120 clinics and facilities with 18,500 beds and places across Germany.