Judith Bywater: helping herself and others to flourish

Judith has faced many challenges in her life as a result of her learning disability and epilepsy but her caring, outgoing personality and strong sense of humour shines through. She has come to be such an important figure in her local community, taking on any new opportunity that comes her way, and overcoming stereotypes.

Until 2012, when she moved back to Hemel Hamstead to live near family, Judith spent many years in a secure hospital facility.

“It was really difficult when I was in the hospital. It was horrible. People treated me like a child and I wasn’t allowed to do things for myself.”

While Judith also found the transition back into the community difficult at first, she is now thriving and her friends, family and support workers couldn’t be prouder of everything she has achieved. While at first, Judith struggled even to go out with support, she has slowly built up her confidence and is now not only able, but really excited, to get out and about and take part in whatever activity is on offer – including going for afternoon tea with all her support workers!

Not only has Judith found an excellent community to support her but she has been giving back to her local area through a wide range of volunteering, too. She helps out at her local food bank, where she supports on training new volunteers and even encouraging more people to get involved. She has also just been awarded a five-year certificate from the charity shop that she works at, with the manager thanking her for all her hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the role. This is an especially big achievement as Judith works within the charity shop independently without her support workers, which she wouldn’t have been able to do just a matter of years ago.

“Getting my five-year certificate from the charity shop was my proudest achievement. I really enjoy socialising and speaking to everyone that comes in. Being around people makes me feel happy and fulfilled.”

Judith is also regularly found helping at her local community centre where her colleagues “wouldn’t know what to do without her” and every year she volunteers as a Santa’s elf to help hand out presents to children. She loves seeing the children’s faces light up and the charity love having Judith help them because of her big smile, great energy and committed work ethic.

When she isn’t giving back and helping others, Judith has many other hobbies and interests that she loves to be involved with. She combines her love of socialising with keeping fit by attending a regular dance class and regularly enjoys a trip to the cinema or going shopping for new clothes.

Since re-joining the community, Judith has become a well-liked and respected individual who has such a big impact on the lives of others, either through her charity work and volunteering or in a personal capacity.

“Over the 11 years I have known Judith, she has changed my life completely; she has become a big part of my family and we have had many adventures together. She has made me a better person.”

With the help of her community of support workers, Judith is really excited to attend the Leaders’ List awards ceremony and has been planning her outfit in anticipation.