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A Bognor Regis woman has been named on the Coronavirus Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List in recognition of her work during the Covid pandemic.

Victoria Smith, 26, works for Brighton charity Stay Up Late as an assistant on its Gig Buddies project, which matches people with learning disabilities across Sussex with volunteers who can go to gigs with them.

As the focus of the charity changed during lockdown from physical events and meet-ups to online engagement, Victoria helped organise a range of fun activities and inspired others with her ability to remain positive.

She even starred in her own one-woman show as part of the charity’s online Coronavirus Fest.

Victoria Smith, from Bognor Regis, was named on the Coronavirus Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List in recognition of her work during the Covid pandemic

Victoria said: “Because of lockdown, as a team we thought about what we could do to support our Gig Buddies to stay connected.

“I came up with the idea of coffee mornings, and the rest of the team thought it was good to put our socials online.

“We do a social every week on Zoom and a coffee morning each Tuesday where we sit and chat about what everyone’s been up to. We talk about anything they want to and I help run the coffee morning on Zoom. I love helping our Gig Buddies and helping them brings a smile to my face.”

Victoria, who has a learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), told the organisers that prior to starting work at Stay Up Late four years ago she had never been to a gig, needed help using public transport and was nervous in crowds.

“I am so proud and excited that I won the award for all the hard work supporting people at Gig Buddies.

Bognor charity worker recognised for efforts in organising virtual events during Covid pandemic