A Sheffield student has won a prestigious prize for her film about the challenges facing a teenager with autism and learning disabilities.
Hannah Makepeace, who is doing an MA in broadcast journalism at the University Of Sheffield, claimed first prize in this year’s Mencap Journalism Awards.
The 26-year-old produced a TV news-style clip about Osian Williams. She said that working with him: “Really taught me the importance of raising the voices of individuals with learning disabilities.Osian is an amazing young guy and gives so much of his time to look after the Peak District, which in turn, has become a way of coping with the challenges his Autism brings. Watch“Hannah’s Entry”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZA7V-bGy9M&feature=youtu.be .
“This will hopefully raise awareness around the daily obstacles facing young people with autism, like Osian. As a trainee journalist about to leave university, trying to find my way in the working world, it really means so much to have this level of recognition. It’s a way of giving me confidence that I’m on the right track and that is so important to me.”
The awards were judged by a panel of journalists and disability experts. Hannah won a cash prize and the opportunity to have her work passed onto interested parties including potential employers.
