Bradley’s Award

Cocktail-sipping, quiz-hosting, community-empowering—Bradley Wilson’s whirlwind energy earned him the 2025 Leaders Award for Work and Education at the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders Awards. ColneLife caught up with Bradley to hear more about his inspiring journey.

The award, presented at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield on Friday, 13th June, recognises his contribution to work and education through volunteering. Making Space is a national charity that supports people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia. Their Work and Education Award honours individuals like Bradley who empower others through leadership and advocacy, using lived experience as a tool for community change.

Since the age of 18, Bradley has been involved in a dizzying array of community projects. “I love what I do,” he says, and you can tell he means it.

One of the standout projects Bradley is involved in is Meet & Match, a friendship and dating agency catering to individuals with disabilities. Based in Accrington but covering Lancashire and the wider North West, it hosts events like themed socials – including one particularly memorable Pop World night in Blackpool, complete with popcorn, cocktails (though Bradley himself is teetotal when volunteering), and plenty of dancing. Bradley has been instrumental in making these events, like themed socials and dance nights, welcoming and fun for all who attend. His natural charisma makes him an ideal host and volunteer, whether he’s running a quiz or simply helping people feel at ease.

“I’m like a ringmaster at a circus – just without the whip!”

But this isn’t Bradley’s first rodeo. A decade ago, frustrated by the closure of traditional youth clubs due to funding cuts, he took matters into his own hands. Alongside his boss at Spring Into Action, Bradley helped establish Spring Into Phab, a volunteer-led social group in Accrington that supports people with learning disabilities through monthly outings and events. This social group initially partnered with Dance Syndrome, a unique charity led by people with learning disabilities, delivering inclusive dance workshops and performances, to offer Saturday morning dance sessions. Their ethos – that everyone can dance and be creative – aligned perfectly with Bradley’s vision of what community activities should look like: joyful, inclusive, and empowering. The group quickly evolved into a full-blown youth club, with all the necessary training, committee formation, and volunteer prep done by Bradley and his team.

When COVID-19 struck, Bradley didn’t miss a beat. He moved the youth club online, hosting digital bingo and arts and crafts sessions to keep spirits up while everyone was stuck indoors. The group now meets in person on the last Saturday of each month. It offers more than just entertainment – for many adults aged 18 and over, navigating disabilities and social isolation, it is a consistent and meaningful lifeline.

Bradley keeps the wheels turning with a WhatsApp group and a separate work phone to keep everything GDPR-compliant. “You’ve got to be responsible,” he says. “I’m like a ringmaster at a circus – just without the whip!” Though there’s still some discussion as to whether he might eventually need one, metaphorically, of course.

Originally from Barnoldswick, Bradley isn’t entirely sure if he counts as Yorkshire or Lancashire. He moved to Colne in 2020 to be closer to his parents. “It’ll be five years this October,” he says. And in that time, he’s clearly made his mark.

Bradley’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, his school years were turbulent. In his own words, he spent a lot of time in detention, even “smashing a window once,” he confesses. He eventually moved to a special needs school in Ormskirk. “It made a huge difference,” he says of the school, which helped him understand himself better and improve his behaviour.

“His sense of humour, determination, and unshakeable spirit shine through”

After moving into supported living in Clitheroe at the age of 19, Bradley eventually settled in Colne. He has worked with Spring Into Action and now collaborates with Pathways Associates on the Together in Active Future (TAF) project. Pathways is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs to live full and inclusive lives. Established in 2001, Pathways is recognised for championing inclusion and co-production, with a focus on placing people with lived experience at the heart of decision-making. “We’ve set up an advocacy group,” he says, clearly proud of the work. “It’s about making spaces more accessible for people with disabilities.”

Despite all he juggles, much of Bradley’s work is voluntary. His day job now is with Pathways, where he works around 18 hours a week – a far cry from the 2.5 hours he used to do at his previous role in Clitheroe. He thrives on meaningful work, especially when it involves interacting with people. “Seeing our members happy, that’s what makes it worthwhile,” he says. “If we didn’t have National Lottery funding, we wouldn’t be able to help the people we do. They’d be stuck at home, like I was.”

He knows firsthand the transformative impact of community, inclusion, and connection. Volunteering isn’t just a way to give back—it’s a lifeline, and one that he recommends. “You’re meeting new people, you’re helping, and you’re giving back to the community. What more do you want?” As he puts it: “It’s very important because it keeps your mental health happy, and it keeps you happy when you’re out meeting people.”

Bradley has faced more than his fair share of challenges, including a battle with testicular cancer in his early 20s. But as always, he bounced back. Over the years, he’s stepped into a number of advocacy roles—whether it’s speaking up for others at NWTDT and Pathways CIC, getting involved with Together an Active Future, or sharing his lived experience at the University of Central Lancashire’s Service Users and Carers Forum. For Bradley, it’s not about titles or recognition—it’s about making sure people are heard and included.

At just 32, Bradley has already achieved more than many do in a lifetime. His sense of humour, determination, and unshakeable spirit shine through in every word. He has improved lives, challenged perceptions, and created safe and joyful spaces for people with disabilities.

By his side through much of it has been his partner of seven years, Lewis, whom he met back in school. Quietly steadfast, Lewis has been a constant source of support—cheering Bradley on from the sidelines, grounding him through challenges, and celebrating every win, big or small.

And in true Bradley fashion, when asked what’s next, he doesn’t have a concrete plan.

“I don’t even know,” he laughs. “Maybe get married first, eh?”

Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear – Colne is a better place with Bradley Wilson in it.

ColneLife Autumn 25