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Ceri Davies
Disability rights activist, campaigner and public speaker and social entrepreneur.
Professional Background
Ceri Davies BEM is a passionate advocate for disabled individuals and their rights, leveraging her experiences to champion social justice across various sectors. With a rich career spanning public, private, voluntary, and social care organizations, Ceri specializes in training youth workers and managers to enhance their organizations. A talented public speaker, she shares valuable insights on children’s participation and rights, equipping others with the knowledge to foster positive change within their communities and organizations.
Ceri's professional journey is marked by her commitment to equality and her tireless efforts to challenge social injustices. Currently, she is actively campaigning for better access for disabled individuals, particularly urging the government to increase the availability of Blue Badge parking spaces. Her work exemplifies a bottom-up approach to business and community outreach, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard and respected.
Education and Achievements
Ceri Davies holds a Master’s degree in Youth and Community Work from Newman College of Higher Education in Birmingham, where she graduated with merit. She also earned a BA in Early Childhood Studies with Sociology (Joint) from the University of Wolverhampton, achieving a commendable 2:1. This solid educational foundation has played a crucial role in shaping her expertise and dedication to empowering children, especially those who are disabled, disadvantaged, or facing life-limiting conditions.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the welfare of disabled and disadvantaged children and families, Ceri was honored with the British Empire Medal (BEM) by the Queen in October 2020. This prestigious accolade underscores her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others and highlights her impactful initiatives throughout her career.
More Mascots Please (CIC)
In 2013, Ceri founded More Mascots Please, a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to creating memorable experiences for children. The organization provides a variety of services, including mascot characters, play services, face painting, and nail art. With an impressive track record of delivering bespoke packages for events ranging from birthday parties to play schemes, More Mascots Please has positively impacted the lives of over 1,000 children.
The organization, under Ceri's direction, has a strong focus on supporting disabled, disadvantaged, and life-limited children and their families. At the heart of More Mascots Please is the ethos of bringing smiles to children and offering support to those who need it most. Ceri’s vision is to connect with other organizations and individuals who share this commitment and are eager to make a difference in their communities.
Community Engagement and Networking
Ceri seeks to connect with disability activists, fellow business owners, and campaigners for equality within health and social care sectors. Through building these relationships, she aims to strengthen networks that elevate the voices of disabled individuals and promote their lived experiences. Ceri is particularly interested in collaborating with organizations that share her vision and can help amplify her efforts to better serve children and families facing challenges.
Additionally, Ceri welcomes opportunities for fundraising and partnerships with corporate organizations that have social responsibility programs aimed at giving back to the community. Her proactive approach to networking makes her a valuable connection for anyone passionate about supporting children and families in need.
Achievements
- Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to disabled, disadvantaged, and life-limited children and families in October 2020.
- Successfully trained numerous youth workers and managers in enhancing children's participation and rights.
- Founded and led More Mascots Please (CIC), impacting over 1,000 children since its inception in 2013.
- Formerly served in various roles including Managing Director, Peer Facilitator, and Visiting Lecturer, enhancing her expertise in youth and community work.
