Ronnie Treston

Ronnie is 45 and has learning disabilities. He suffered childhood abuse and found it difficult to communicate, suffered depression and epileptic fits. As an adult Ronnie lived in bedsit accommodation but had been repeatedly financially, verbally and mentally abused by his neighbours who were drug users. Ronnie was uncommunicative and lacked confidence. Since moving to supported accommodation Ronnie has ovecome his experience and has flourished. With his new found confidence and security he now works as a First Aider volunteering at St John's Ambulance, and attends the Canterbury Learning Disabilities group, through which he became involved in a local NHS volunteer service. He is actively involved with Mencap and makes weekly visits to local hospitals to talk to staff about the needs of learning disabilities patients during their hospital stay. He was invited as a guest to the Houses of Parliament to launch the "Hospital Communication Book" which he uses in his work at the hospitals. He also studies art at college and has had his work exhibited in a local gallery. Ronnie is passionate about helping people and he is a well known and vibrant member of the community. He is regularly seen fundraising in the community, making his own costumes and dressing up every year for several local carnivals and received the Lord Mayors award for his fundraising efforts. Ronnie is an outstanding ambassador and beacon of the community.