Richard Redmond: Driving positive change in healthcare

Richard first joined Conwy Connect, a North Wales based charity which supports people with learning disabilities, eleven years ago, having heard of the organisation through a friend, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“I just felt it was the right place for me to be. The staff were very good to me and it has given me so many opportunities over the years.”

One of the opportunities that Richard has accessed through the organisation is being able to take on the role of Health Check Champion, which he started in September 2021. This involves delivering workshops and promoting the importance of accessing health checks for people with disabilities.

Richard has not only truly excelled in his role – significantly contributing to the 7% increase in health checks reported in the most recent results from GP surgeries – but he has become an integral part of the health screening promotion project which covers the entire region.

He regularly presents at conferences, addressing large audiences of professionals, members and peers, and is a passionate advocate for accessible and high-quality health services for individuals with learning disabilities.

He has also co-written “top ten tips” specifically aimed at guiding medical staff on how to best support individuals with learning disabilities in hospital settings.

Richard is also an active member of Conwy Connects Forum, which allows adults with learning disabilities living in Conwy to get together and discuss issues affecting them in their daily lives.

In addition to his work with Conwy Connect, Richard has also been a representative for All Wales People First since 2020, which acts as the united voice of self-advocacy groups and people with learning disabilities in Wales. Through this role, he continues to play his part in raising awareness and fostering positive change.

When he isn’t calling for change and contributing to improving healthcare for people with learning disabilities, Richard is a keen walker and has run a walking group for the past two years. This runs every fortnight during spring and summer and once a month during autumn and winter.

He also enjoys helping out with his local football club, taking on the role of stewarding and selling programmes as well as being an active contributor to his local church in Colwyn Bay.

Richard is really excited to be going up to London to attend the Leaders’ List Awards ceremony, and is pleased to have been recognised for his hard work and dedication.

“I feel privileged and very proud of myself, and I’m just amazed to have won the award.”