We’re delighted to announce local radio presenter Ben Atkinson, as our new patron. Ben actively supports our vision for a world that embraces disability and includes everyone. You’ll hear Ben playing his feel-good tunes on his drive time slot at Heart Bristol Radio between 4pm and 7pm. You may also recognise his voice elsewhere as Ben’s an experienced voiceover artist for brands such as, Halifax and B&Q. And he regularly hosts lifestyle awards, events and fundraisers. So, we’re thrilled Ben can represent Paul’s Place as our new patron.
Ben was first introduced to Paul’s Place when he came to interview us for Heart Radio as part of Global’s Make Some Noise day (of which we’re a supported charity). We were able to give Ben a flavour of Paul’s Place and our life enhancing activities for people with physical disabilities. Ben interviewed some of our members who explained how much of a ‘lifeline’ Paul’s Place is to them. He heard that not everyone is physically disabled from birth and 80% of disabled people became physically disabled later in life. It can happen to anyone, and without Paul’s Place there’s limited support. Paul’s Place significantly reduces social isolation, and it gives people a chance to live life to the full.
Since meeting Ben, he has kept an active interest in our work and how we’ve made a major difference since we began in 1995. Paul’s Place started with a small group of friends getting together to form a club. At first, the club met once a month, but due to growing numbers over a short space of time, it became a daily facility that now offers our members a chance to:
- get active and creative
- socialise and embrace new experiences during the day and evening
- have fully supported short breaks and day trips
- have the opportunity to learn new skills and volunteer
We also offer a support programme for carers.
Sam attends Paul’s Place three times a week and has been a super fan of Heart Radio since 2003. Sam said, “Ben becoming our patron means a lot. It’s fantastic. I hope Ben can support us in taking our charity, that is a lifeline for physically disabled adults, forward.”
Fundraising and Communications Manager, Kayley Waller, said, “We’re thrilled to officially announce Ben as our newest patron at Paul’s Place. It was a privilege to spend the day with him where he witnessed the impact of the charity. At Paul’s Place, I see our members come to life every day. They feel part of something, they feel connected. It was amazing to be able to show that to Ben. Without people like Ben supporting us, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do, we would have to scale back massively, which would devastate our members.”
Speaking about his new role as patron, Ben said, “Paul’s Place is a small charity that I immediately connected with. Seeing first hand just how much the members get from this amazing charity is inspirational and I’m very pleased to be a part of the journey this charity is on. In what will be a big year for Paul’s Place, I’m looking forward with helping the organisation to grow, along with visits and getting stuck in. As well as the odd shout out on the radio for the members too, of course!”
We won’t stop until we see a world that embraces disability and includes everyone, so everyone can live their life to the full. With Ben’s support we can continue our mission to enhance and change the lives of physically disabled adults.
If you would like to donate and fundraise for us, please visit: Get Involved
Ben, Sam and Daryl