Celebrating achievement, confidence and lived experience
A good news story from Adam, Nurtrio and Faraway CIC
Nurtrio is proud to celebrate a wonderful achievement from Adam Rudland, who has completed the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Adam has now gained an NHS England qualification that means he can help deliver this important training to other professionals — sharing his lived experience in a way that makes a real difference.
Adam’s journey began when Jo Barnes (CEO of Nurtrio) mentioned the opportunity during a service visit. Adam immediately saw the value in using his experience to help others and took on the challenge with enthusiasm. The three‑to‑four‑week programme pushed him well outside his comfort zone, but Adam showed determination, resilience and a huge amount of commitment throughout.
Reflecting on the experience, Adam said: ‘At first, I felt anxious because it was something completely new and I didn't know what to expect. In the end, it was worth it. I have gained an NHS England qualification and can now help train other professionals so they can better understand the life experiences of people with autism and learning disabilities.’
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the national standard for helping health and social care staff understand the needs of people with learning disabilities and autism. It was created in memory of Oliver, a young man whose life was tragically cut short after professionals didn’t fully recognise or respond to his needs. The training is now used across the country to make sure people receive safer, more compassionate and more informed support. Nurtio's work is rooted in lived experience, listening and helping people feel understood. Adam’s involvement means other professionals will learn directly from someone who has walked the path himself, giving them real insight that no textbook can offer. His voice will help shape better practice, better awareness and better outcomes for people.
Adam also wanted to thank Jo Barnes for her encouragement: ‘Thank you to Jo Barnes for asking me to take part in this training and for trusting me to do it. I have come a long way since joining Care4All/Nurtrio over six years ago. Everything is working in my favour and helping me achieve the life I want.’
Adam’s success shows the power of co‑production and lived experience. By sharing his story through the Oliver McGowan training programme, he will help professionals build greater understanding, compassion, and confidence when supporting people across health and social care.
Everyone at Nurtrio and Faraway CIC would like to congratulate Adam on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his commitment to improving understanding and outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autism.