By Bethan Hopkins, CAN Comms Lead

It is with immense pride that we celebrate Avril Jackson, the deserving winner of the Paul Payne Award for Trusteeship at the Voluntary Service Awards 2025. This award recognises her incredible dedication and profound impact as a Trustee for the Dorset Children’s Foundation.

Avril’s commitment to the charity is deeply personal. As a mother to young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, she brings a wealth of lived experience to her role. This unique perspective ensures that every decision made by the board is in the best interest of the families the foundation serves. She isn’t afraid to challenge decision-makers, and her voice is a powerful advocate for children with disabilities to have the same opportunities as their peers—from healthcare to social activities.

But Avril’s work doesn’t stop there. Despite being a full-time carer and recently recovering from two hip operations, her energy and dedication are boundless. She is a Governor at a local special needs school, co-founded a Saturday club for children with disabilities, and was instrumental in establishing the new Windmill Community Venue. She even finds time to rehome donated disability equipment, ensuring it goes to families who need it most.

For many parents, Avril is the first point of contact and a trusted source of advice and support. While she may be officially retired, her life is a testament to the power of giving back. We hope her story will inspire you.