Warwickshire News Mine

The Warwickshire resident who met Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister to put over some of the issues facing people with learning disabilities and presented him with a report and copy of the In Our Shoes DVD.  Serena Nordon and Susie Pallitt know as the “Warwickshire Duo” made the DVD about the barriers faced by people with learning disabilities when seeking and maintaining employment.

Members of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, which includes the County Council, Health, family carers, people with learning disabilities and other voluntary groups, have described Serena as a “woman who will have a profound influence on us, at work and personally, for the rest of our lives”.

And in a further poignant tribute, members of the New Ideas Advocacy and Community Placement Team who worked with Serena and Susie to produce the ‘In Our Shoes’ film will travel to Brighton with Serena’s sister and Susie for the Oska Bright Film Festival, a unique film festival run by and for people with learning disabilities.

It had brought Serena a tremendous sense of achievement when she had heard that the film was nominated.  She said:  It made me laugh with happiness when I found out.  I feel very clever and pleased that my film has been chosen.  I am happy because some of my family played parts in the film, it makes me cry with pride.
People will be able to understand more about the barriers we face.  I want a job just like everyone else.”

Karen McNally of Warwickshire County Council, who worked with Serena at the Emscote Centre and was Serena’s friend, said:  “It is ironic that a part of Serena’s disability was that she was unable to communicate verbally – she spoke with the aid of her Dynavox.  .  Many, many people can be thankful that Serena took the opportunity to highlight disability issues and many of us are also thankful that we had the pleasure of knowing, and working alongside, this very special lady.”

Anybody wishing to mark Serena’s achievements can make a donation in her honour to the Mervyn Jeffries Fund which helps people in Warwickshire with learning disabilities.  Cash or cheques can be left at the Emscote Centre on Nelson Lane, Warwick or can call 01926 492100 for further details.

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Media contact:  Richard Harkin 01926 414162

Picture shows Serena (left) travelling to London with the other half of the Warwickshire Duo, Susie Pallitt to meet then Prime Minster Tony Blair

Link to WCC