Charity chair honoured for helping those with learning disabilities

The chair of a Solihull charity has been recognised in the Queen 's Birthday Honours for helping people with learning disabilities.

Jan Prior (pictured), the chair of Social Life Opportunities (SoLO), received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the honours list which was announced on the eve of the Platinum Jubilee.

She has been honoured for services to people with learning disabilities in Solihull, having served as the charity 's chair since 2006.

The charity - originally Solihull Life Opportunities - was founded in 2000 with the aim of empowering people with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential and encourage their integration in society.

The charity employs around 200 staff and 100 volunteers.

Jan said: “I was delighted to receive an award in the Queen 's Jubilee Honours list which recognises the contribution and achievements of my voluntary role as chair of Social Life Opportunities (SoLO).

“I have experienced both the constant challenges and the rewards of bringing up a son with learning disabilities who also has complex and severe physical difficulties and my aim through this role was to increase opportunities for others.

“Working with a great team, the exponential growth of SoLO over the last 20 years and the range of services it offers hundreds of children and adults with learning disabilities has been my overriding reward but to receive the BEM is a real bonus and one of many highlights. ”