Miro Griffiths and Clenton Farquharson, two members of our National Coproduction Advisory Group (NCAG) have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Clenton is co-chair of TLAP and co-chair of the Making it Real (MiR) subgroup, (NGAG) and currently acts as Chair of Birmingham LINk. He is also a member of Equality 2025 where he gives strategic, confidential advice to the government on issues that affect disabled people.
On receiving the award, Clenton said:
“I am delighted that our work has been recognised. All I have ever tried to do is chip away at injustices and help people with disabilities and disadvantage achieve their goals. I am humbled by this award as I know that whatever I have done has only been possible through the patient and unstinting help of so many other people, including family, friends, and colleagues”.
Miro hasbeen involved with the disability sector from the age of thirteen. He is an Interim Co-Production Coordinator, Member of the National Co-Production Advisory Group. He is also a trustee for the Alliance for Inclusive Education; Deputy Chair of Equality 2025, and a member of the European Network on Independent Living.
Miro said the following on accepting the MBE:
“Obviously, the situation facing many disabled people is one of exclusion, isolation and reduced life chances and the reality is that it is a very dangerous time to be disabled. I hope that by accepting this MBE, I am able to influence those in decision-making positions and ensure they listen to the views of disabled people and act on their recommendations, work with and support disabled people’s organisations and ultimately make choice and control a reality for disabled people”.
Earlier in the year another member of (NCAG) Sue Bott was awarded a CBE in recognition for her work to shape the social care policy landscape.
We are thrilled that the unstinting work of our members is receiving the recognition it deserves and thereby helping to keep the voice of disabled people in the spotlight.
