Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was thrilled to support charity Talks With MS at its 2nd Birthday celebration and its first Empowerment Awards ceremony on 22 February 2025. The Awards brought the disabled community together for an evening of positivity to celebrate the individuals and organisations that advocate for inclusion and change, no matter how big or small.
The diverse categories ensured representation from the disability community, including young carers, mental health advocates, community groups and assistance dogs. With winners of all ages, from children to adults, it was an opportunity for the community to grow, make new connections, and celebrate hard work, determination, and advocacy.
Elisha Samuels won the Hidden Disability Personality of The Year award. It was an emotional moment for Elisha, who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has been facing challenges with her health and resulting negative societal attitudes. Dedicating her award to her family, Elisha expressed gratitude to them for flooding the website with their votes and validating the health journey she has been on.
The Sunflower Conversations interview with Elisha Samuels
Film description: Elisha explains to Chantal that she was nominated for the Hidden Disability of The Year Award because of her resilience after a difficult year. And winning the award means everything to her, to be seen, is empowering.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was nominated in the Most Inclusive Business category, and we were delighted to applaud Rise4Disability as they were announced the winners.
Talks with MS's vision is to enhance MS's prominence in the UK, particularly emphasising the underrepresented black community and striving for greater representation and inclusion.
The event was Sunflower-friendly, so everyone involved was briefed about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and was on hand to offer support to Sunflower wearers if necessary.
Rounding off the evening was Isaac Harvey MBE, who delivered the closing speech via video link with humour and humility. He declared The Empowerment Awards a ground-breaking event. He encouraged everyone to continue being heard and pushing for disability inclusion.
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
"Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is delighted to work with Talks with MS to celebrate the Empowerment Awards.
We proudly sponsor the Invisible Disability Personality of the Year Award, honouring those who advocate for the disabled community by breaking down misconceptions and challenging and reducing stigma. We commend all the entrants for their positive contributions to elevating disability awareness and inclusion."
With over 163 nominations and over 1,600 votes the categories and winners:
Additional Needs Personality Of The Year 2025 - Ria Moore
Outstanding Ally Of The Year 2025 - Sa’btisha Gordon
Disability Personality Of The Year 2025 - Katy Deacon
Inclusive Business Of The Year 2025 - Rise4Disability
Mental Health Advocate Of The Year 2025 - Mauva Johnson
Outstanding Carer Of The Year 2025 - Simone Bell
Community Group Of The Year 2025 - Adonis Refuge Community CIC
Health & Wellbeing Personality Of The Year 2025 - Cherelle Gardiner
Hidden Disability Personality Of The Year 2025 (Sunflower Award) - Elisha Samuels
Multiple Sclerosis Personality Of The Year 2025 - TJ (Tania Jacobs)
Young Change Maker Of The Year 2025 - Candace Oxley
Assistance Dog Of The Year 2025 - Ocho Sunday
Young Carer Of The Year 2025
Hannah McMillan
Maaliyah Davies
Miles Constable
Ajani Frederick
Andrell & Terrell Cox-Brown
Ashli-May Mckella
The Talks With M.S. Award 2025
Jacob McMilan
Jaida Mckella
Learn more about Talk with MS by visiting their website, Talks with MS
The Empowerment Award sponsors; Motability Scheme, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Treasure Tress, The Communities Choice, SOCOLO, Amenity Care, All 4 Inclusion CIC, Accessible Marketplace, The Smash Agency, and Delphena's Treats