Vida Black: A woman of substance

  • By Brian Leveson
  • 21 Dec, 2021

An interview with Vida Black, co-founder of Haringey based “Brightstars” Autistic club and winner of the European Diversity Awards “Community Project of the Year” for 2021.

Haringey resident Vida Black has just won the European Diversity Award "Community Project of the Year 2021" for being the co-founder of "Brightstars" - but who is she?

Firstly, I see myself as a mother and carer.

I am a positive person.  I don’t give up easily on anything. My son Claude is a blessing and because of him, I have met wonderful people and other Carers.

For more information

https://brightstarsspecialclub.com/

https://www.europeandiversityawards.com/winners-2021

How did Brightstars come about?

Brightstars club, came about because of Claude, when the Children service stopped all his social activities when he turned 18 years old. How do you explained to an 18 year old autistic who has a mental age of 4 year old, with challenging behaviour that, he can’t get any support because he is now an adult?

It’s was very challenging and difficult time for him and the rest of the family and I thank God that, my other children and my siblings help and support me.

It’s was through the challenges that the idea of running our own club came about. 

For more information

https://brightstarsspecialclub.com/

https://www.europeandiversityawards.com/winners-2021

How did your co-founder Suezanne Awotwi get involved?

Suezanne, my co- founder of Brightstars, is the best.

Even though Suezanne has no child with disabilities or autism she has a passion for caring for people with autism and disabilities which makes her wonderful person.

Suezanne and I are just two women who put our head together to make a difference in our community and it’s has pay off in terms of recognition of Brightstars

For more information

https://brightstarsspecialclub.com/

https://www.europeandiversityawards.com/winners-2021

What next for Vida Black?

We are still overwhelmed and humbled to received the award.

I chair the Adult learning Disabilities Carers forum and

I advocate for Carers and their loved ones on their reviews and assessment.

For more information

https://brightstarsspecialclub.com/

https://www.europeandiversityawards.com/winners-2021


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