THE founder of a Kidderminster theatre company for people with disabilities has received our award for helping members to keep active during lockdown - even while she was shielding due to her own health issues.

Before the pandemic, Elaine Ball worked as an activity coordinator for adults with learning disabilities and set up the Wheely Different Theatre Company in 2013 for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

When Covid hit, many of the group's members, including Elaine, were asked to shield.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Elaine Ball, of the Wheely Different Theatre Company, receiving a Lockdown Heroes award from Ilse Stride, of Bewdley Rotary

Elaine launched a series of online classes to keep members active while also supporting their mental health while they were isolating at home, including Tai Chi, Makaton, dancing and fitness, and quizzes.

Many were feeling isolated due to the pandemic and their confidence had taken a hit, but after a few sessions of dancing, singing, chatting and especially the weekly quiz and bingo, members noticed their mental and physical health improved.

Nominating Elaine for a Lockdown Heroes Award, Samantha Leake, said: "From teaching new skills to being a supportive ear, Elaine was there providing these opportunities with a smile and a safe place."

Samantha uses a wheelchair herself and, during the lockdowns, was supported by Elaine to deliver some of her own online sessions.

On receiving the award Elaine said: "I was very surprised to hear that I had been nominated as a Lockdown Hero. I just do what I can to try and keep members active including myself.

"Shielding has been necessary for members but not being with family and friends has taken its toll on physical and mental health.

"We are a team and each member who participates contributes to the wellbeing of others.

"Members have had to tackle new technology and I like to think we have all learnt from our combined efforts, whatever they have been.

"It is wonderful to be recognised for my very small part. The whole group are in the debt of the undoubted heroic work of the NHS, care workers, cleaners, drivers, shop workers, teachers the list is endless and we are all eternally grateful.

"I will treasure this award in recognition of doing what I could to help others."

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Ilse Stride, of Bewdley Rotary Club, who presented Elaine with the award, said: "It’s wonderful to meet such dedicated people and on behalf of us all, to be able to say thank you for everything that you do."

Since November, The Shuttle and Wyre Forest Rotary have been searching for the heroic individuals, community groups, charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns.

Nominations for the awards have now closed but we will be publishing stories about our winners in the paper each week.