The founder of a group for children with special needs and their families in Dawlish has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Jill Diprose, who founded AIMS nearly 30 years ago in 1992, said the award was 'totally unexpected'.

The list read: "Medallists of the Order of the British Empire: Jill Diprose, Founder, Activities Interests Music Support (A.I.M.S.). For services to Families of Children with Special Needs in Dawlish, Devon."

Jill said: "My husband says I should feel very proud … I don't know quite how I feel - I'm quite bemused by the whole thing, really!

"I've lived in Dawlish for 40-something-odd years. [AIMS] is a group I started back ... in 1992 when I was a community paediatrician. I realised that when parents were given a diagnosis that their child would have special needs, there was very little support for them.

"They wanted a place to go to where they could go as a family … but not be judged, or people look at them, or anything like that, and wanted to meet other people who were in the same boat as they were. 

"I've enjoyed AIMS, starting it up and developing it, but I've been helped by a huge team of people, who are all brilliant, who have worked very hard as well.†

The free drop-in group currently meets at Oaklands Park School on Saturdays, and enjoys activities such as cooking, craft activities, music, walking, and trips to the beach.

Click here to visit the group's website to find out more.

What is the Queen's New Year Honours List?

The Honours Lists are published twice each year, at the New Year and on the Queen's official birthday, and award knighthoods, damehoods, CBEs, OBEs, MBEs, and BEMs.

British Empire Medals are awarded for services to the community, either by doing long-term charity or volunteer work or short-term work that has made a significant difference.

The Queen's New Years Honours List for 2022 focused on sporting achievements, contributions to the environment, and those giving 'amazing service in the community.' 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "These recipients have inspired and entertained us and given so much to their communities in the UK or in many cases around the world.

"The honours are an opportunity for us to thank them, as a country, for their dedication and outstanding contribution."

—————

Got a Dawlish story you want to share with us? Email [email protected]

For daily updates on what's happening in Dawlish, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.