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Happy Smiles Training 😁👍

@happysmilescic.bsky.social

230 followers 20 following 200 posts

Disabled People-Led Training Provider 🧠💡 🏆 #KingsAwardVS Winners 2024 🙌 #NationalDiversityAwards Winners 2024 🎉 #ScopeAwards Winners 2024 💜 #DisabilityPower100 2022/23/24 🤩 “The best training I’ve ever received!” 👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

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Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · Nov 25

Our first BlueSky post has to reflect our big year in 2024! 🤩

Scope Awards Winners 💜

National Diversity Awards Winners 🏆

Kings Award for Voluntary Service Winners 😱

But we don’t do this for awards… Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission towards #DisabilityInclusion!

Haydn and Alex wearing suits, laughing together on stage whilst Alex holds a microphone towards Haydn’s mouth

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 10h

Do you know what unconscious bias means?
Health & social care teams in the North West are learning how it impacts disabled people — directly from lived experience experts through our Oliver McGowan Tier 2 rollout 💬

👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk
#OliversCampaign #DisabilityInclusion

A group of delegates sit facing a screen while two trainers, Jenny standing and Anna sat in her wheelchair, deliver Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training. The slide on screen reads “Some types of unconscious biases.”

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 1d

Another great session with Wigan Council Adult Social Care ✅

Lived experience-led, energetic, real & full of smiles.
Feedback: “Very interactive and easy to understand” / “Excellent training!”

Learn more: www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #LearningDisability #Autism #WiganBorough

1. Alex standing at the front of a training room speaking, with participants seated and smiling

2. Kevin signing while delivering training, with attendees engaged around a table and a Happy Smiles Training banner in the background.

3. Participants standing and taking part in an activity while Alex leads the session in a bright training room.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 1d

Happy Smiles Training is proud to receive Gold Accreditation in Wigan Council’s Believe in Business Charter! 🎉

Led by disabled people, we’re building community wealth and inclusion across Wigan Borough.

#BelieveInBusiness #WiganBorough #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed

A gold accreditation certificate titled “Believe in Business Charter 2025 | Gold Accreditation” from Wigan Council, awarded to Happy Smiles Training and signed by David Molyneux MBE, Leader of the Council, dated 09/10/2025.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 5d

Here’s to our amazing team: Rebecca, Kerry, Lindsay and Amanda 💛

Their dedication makes every workshop professional, engaging, and grounded in lived experience 🌍💻💪

More info: www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #FeelGoodFriday

Rebecca, Kerry, Lindsay and Amanda sit together at a desk with laptops in the Happy Smiles Training office, wearing Inclusion Champion polo shirts and smiling at the camera.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 6d

We loved this year’s Believe in Business Festival!

Alex, Bob, Victoria & Suzie shared our inclusive training and award-winning children’s books, spreading the message of lived experience–led inclusion.

Thanks to all who came! 💚
www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople

Image 1: Alex speaks to two visitors at the Happy Smiles Training stall during the Believe in Business Festival. The stall displays children’s books and a banner about inclusive training led by people with lived experience. Bob sits behind the table smiling.

Image 2: Two women and Alex hold up a large cut-out frame that reads “I support… Happy Smiles Training CIC” at the Believe in Business Festival. Bob is seated in the background at the stall

Image 3: Bob sits smiling at the Happy Smiles Training stall, which is set up with a colourful display of children’s books from the ‘My Has’ series, alongside banners and information about inclusive training.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 7d

Anna, Izzy and Rebecca led a Disability Justice Workshop at the National Youth Summit, inspiring inclusion and challenging stigma. 🌍💡

Proud to see disabled women leading nationally.

👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed

Image 1: Anna, Izzy and Rebecca sit at the front of a large room, leading a Disability Justice Workshop as part of the National Youth Summit. Delegates are seated at round tables listening and taking part in discussions.

Image 2: Izzy, Rebecca and Anna are seen from behind as they deliver the workshop, with attendees sitting at tables in front of them.

Image 3: Rebecca stands at the front next to the National Youth Summit banner and a presentation screen, speaking to participants during the workshop while Izzy and Rebecca sit to the side.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 8d

Fempowered Together keeps growing every week.

Led by local disabled women, the group provides a safe, supportive space for women across Wigan to connect, share and thrive.

All local women are welcome, every Thursday 11am–1pm at Sunshine House in the Woolfenden Community Room.

Members of the Fempowered Together group sit around two long tables in the Sunshine House community room, taking part in an activity. The room is decorated with colourful hot air balloon lanterns and artwork on the walls.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 9d

Great session with Wigan Council staff!

Alex, Kevin & Kurt shared powerful lived experiences, challenging stigma & inspiring inclusion.

👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed

Image 1: A group of people sit around tables in a training room, with Alex standing at the front delivering a session

Image 2: Kurt sits at a table smiling, with a Happy Smiles Training banner behind him that says, “We deliver inclusive training led by people with lived experience.”

Image 3: Kevin sits at the front of the room, looking towards a screen that displays a slide titled “Understanding Autism.” Delegates are seated and listening.

Image 4: Alex stands holding papers, leading an activity with three delegates standing in front of him by a window.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 12d

That’s a wrap on the Wigan 10K for this year! Huge thanks to everyone who supported our team and our work 💜

We can’t wait to be back next year.

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #Wigan10K

Image 1
Haydn taking part in the Wigan 10k, smiling in his powerchair with a Happy Smiles collection bucket attached.

Image 2
Alfie at the Wigan 10k, sitting in his wheelchair holding his medal, with a Happy Smiles banner behind him.

Image 3
Victoria and Bob smiling together at the Wigan 10k, both wearing Happy Smiles hats with a banner in the background.

Image 4
Alex, Amy and her family members at the Wigan 10k start line, with Amy in her wheelchair surrounded by supporters.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 13d

We’ve had a sneak preview of Race Across Europe footage – and it’s going to blow people away 💛

Oli, Kate, Katharina & our champion Haydn showing off their Freedom One Life Series 5 chairs in action.

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #RaceAcrossEurope

Image 1
Alex and Haydn sit side by side on the highest swing in Europe at the A’DAM Lookout in Amsterdam. The red swing is suspended high above the city skyline, with views of rooftops and the river far below. Both wear sunglasses and look out across the view as the swing soars.

Image 2
Haydn, in his yellow Freedom One Life powerchair, and Alex stand smiling in front of the towering Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Both wear Happy Smiles Training polo shirts.

Image 3
On a train to Turin, Haydn laughs with his mouth open as Kate applies makeup to his eyes, holding a compact mirror in one hand. Haydn sits comfortably in his powerchair wearing his Happy Smiles polo shirt, while Kate wears a yellow “Team Kate” Race Across Europe t-shirt

Image 4
Alex and Haydn are being filmed at sunset in Verona, Italy. They stand against a stone railing overlooking the city, with the orange glow of the sunset behind them.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 14d

Faces behind Happy Smiles 💛

Alex, Haydn & Kevin delivered lived-experience training on learning disability & autism to Wigan Council staff.

“Taught us so much about communication & approaches.” – Delegate

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed

Image 1
Alex stands presenting in front of a large screen showing photos of Happy Smiles Training sessions.

Image 2
Haydn sits smiling widely in his powered wheelchair, wearing a Happy Smiles Training shirt.

Image 3
Kevin sits wearing a lanyard and Happy Smiles Training shirt, looking engaged during the session.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 15d

Our team delivered Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training at Wigan & Leigh Hospice for health & social care staff across Greater Manchester 💛

Proud to be part of this vital programme led by lived experience

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #OliversCampaign

Image 1
Lindsay stands at the front of the training room delivering a presentation on stress and anxiety, while Rebecca sits nearby with health and social care staff listening around tables.

Image 2
Lindsay, Rebecca, Amy and Jenny stand together smiling in front of a Happy Smiles Training banner, with Rebecca seated in her powered wheelchair.

Image 3
Kevin leads part of the training session while seated at the front of the room, with Lindsay sitting nearby listening, as staff take part in the session.

Image 4
Lindsay and Anna deliver training together at the front of the room, with Anna seated in her wheelchair speaking to participants next to a Happy Smiles Training banner.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 16d

We had an amazing time at the Wigan Believe in Business Festival, sharing our books and talking about disability inclusion.

Every conversation helps us break stigma and build inclusive communities 💪

Find out more 👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk 📚

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed

Image 1: Attendees gather around the Happy Smiles Training stall, browsing Alex Winstanley’s award-winning children’s books and chatting with our friendly team.

Image 2: Alex and Amelia smile together, proudly holding What Are Lewy Bodies? inside a frame that reads “I support Happy Smiles Training CIC.”

Image 3: Alex and Judith join Victoria in showing their support for Happy Smiles Training, smiling inside our signature photo frame.

Image 4: Bob and Victoria with Claire Hannah at our vibrant stall, showcasing the colourful My Has book series.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 19d

Our Happy Smiles community lit up this year’s
Wigan 10k 💛

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far - you still can if able to at justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #Wigan10K

1. Alfie, wearing a cap and glasses, beams while taking part in the Wigan 10k on his adapted wheelchair bike, with a Happy Smiles flag flying behind him.

2. Haydn, smiling in his powerchair, and Victoria, wearing a Happy Smiles cap, take a selfie at the Wigan 10k start line, surrounded by other runners in white Happy Smiles t-shirts.

3. Thomas sits in his wheelchair proudly holding his Wigan 10k medal close to his face, smiling despite the rain in his hooded coat.

4. Haydn drives his bright yellow freedom one life series 5 powerchair with a Happy Smiles flag attached, alongside Ellie in her wheelchair with a turquoise tote bag, both moving down the road during the race.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 20d

Alex & James delivered a workshop with Wigan Borough SENCo’s on one of our core values: being person-centred 💡

Activities like this show the power of putting individuality & lived experience at the heart of practice 🙌

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed

Alex stands at the front of a workshop room beside James, who is smiling in his powerchair. Both are leading an interactive session with Wigan Borough SENCo’s. A presentation slide behind them shows the words “Person Centred Approach” with an image of coloured paper.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 21d

Alex spoke at the Wigan Council’s Believe in Business Festival last week 🎤
In the From Opportunity to Achievement session, he shared insights on procurement with Bryan, Shauna & Paul 🙌
Thanks for the support! 💜
👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk
#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople

Alex speaks into a microphone while seated on stage alongside Bryan, Shauna and Paul, all being interviewed by Claire. Behind them is a large screen showing the session title “From Opportunity to Achievement” with logos of Wigan Council, Care Choice NW and Happy Smiles Training.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 22d

Thanks to GreenMount Projects for a brilliant day at Haydock Races, supporting Wigan & Leigh Hospice 🎉

Great to spend time with friends at Embrace Wigan & Leigh, Wigan Council and more. Community wealth building in action 🙌

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed #Community

Alex, Victoria, Kieron, Wendy and Chris are pictured smiling together at Haydock Races.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 23d

What does learning disability mean to you? 🙂
We deliver Oliver McGowan training across the North West, led by disabled experts 💡

👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed #OliversCampaign

Image 1: Anna from Happy Smiles Training sits at the front of a training room, smiling, with a large presentation slide behind her that reads “What learning disability means to me” and shows a group of people, including wheelchair users, with their arms raised. Several participants sit at tables listening.

Image 2: Jenny stands at the front of the room presenting to participants, pointing towards a slide on the screen that says “Exercise: what is intelligence?” while Anna sits beside her smiling. Participants in rows of chairs look on attentively.

Image 3: Rebecca, Lindsay and Anna from Happy Smiles Training stand and sit together smiling in front of a presentation slide introducing the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 26d

Rain couldn’t stop our smiles 🌧️🙂

Nearly 30 of our community took part in the Wigan 10k, proving that disabled people belong at events like this too.

Thank you to everyone who supported us 💪

👉 www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed

Image 1: A group of six Happy Smiles community members and supporters wearing white event T-shirts with medals around their necks after the Wigan 10k, all smiling together despite the rainy weather

Image 2: A group of seven Happy Smiles participants gathered on the grass before the race. Two people in wheelchairs are at the front, one giving a big thumbs up. Others are chatting, smiling and getting ready in their event T-shirts.

Image 3: Three Happy Smiles members in powerchairs/scooters lined up for the start of the Wigan 10k, with a branded Happy Smiles flag raised behind them. They’re smiling and ready to go, surrounded by other runners.

Image 4: A supporter pushes a Happy Smiles community member in a manual wheelchair, both smiling and giving a thumbs up. They are under a marquee at the Wigan 10k, ready to join in the race.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 28d

6 years of smiles, impact & inclusion 🎉

From Haydn’s smile to 22,000+ people trained & 50+ disabled people supported into work & volunteering, our journey has just begun💡

Thanks to everyone who’s been part of it 🙂

👉 www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed

Image 1: A framed “I love…” Happy Smiles Training display with a smiling black-and-white photo of Haydn, decorated with small colourful stickers.

Image 2: Ella sits holding a Happy Smiles Training tote bag, smiling proudly and giving a thumbs up, with other team members seated in the background.

Image 3: A large group photo of Happy Smiles Training team members and supporters gathered indoors, with balloons, banners, and collages behind them, everyone smiling to celebrate the 6th birthday.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · 29d

In front of an audience. On a screen. Or behind the scenes 🙂

Every workshop we deliver is powered by our team’s lived experience and commitment to inclusion 💡

We’re one team, working together to create change 💪

www.happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed

Image 1: A Happy Smiles trainer stands at the front of a classroom next to a screen displaying a slide titled “The autism spectrum.” She smiles while holding notes, as another trainer sits at the side of the room. A group of attendees listen attentively.

Image 2: Two trainers, one seated and one standing, deliver a session on “Sensory differences.” A screen shows bullet points while participants, seated at desks, follow along. A Happy Smiles Training banner is visible in the background.

Image 3: Five Happy Smiles team members, including one in a powered wheelchair, smile together beside a large Happy Smiles Training banner. The banner displays the message “We deliver inclusive training led by people with lived experience.”

Image 4: Two trainers sit at a desk with a laptop open in front of them, preparing or delivering an online training session. Both are smiling, wearing Happy Smiles branded clothing, with posters on the wall behind them.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · Sep 19

Highlights from this year’s Wigan 10k 🌟

Anna pushed all the way, Haydn smashed his PB, Zoe gave two thumbs up with Barry behind, & Amy laughed through the rain supported by Alex and Luke.

Support our work: justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople #DisabledLed #Wigan10K

Image 1: Anna in her green wheelchair, pushing herself along the road with determination during the Wigan 10k.

Image 2: Haydn smiling proudly in his yellow Freedom One Life Series 5 powerchair, wearing a Wigan 10k race number with a Happy Smiles Training flag behind him.

Image 3: Zoe in her wheelchair giving two thumbs up as Barry pushes her along the route, both smiling with energy.

Image 4: Amy in her powered wheelchair laughing as Alex holds an umbrella over her to keep her dry, with Luke walking alongside for support.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · Sep 18

Izzy, Haydn & Alex led a brilliant disability inclusion session for @CultureShift 🎉
Feedback said: “One of the best training exercises... light-hearted & informative.”

Lived experience drives change 💪
happysmilestraining.co.uk

#DisabilityInclusion #DisabledLed #DisabledPeople

Image 1: Izzy, a Happy Smiles trainer, sits next to a banner that reads “We deliver inclusive training led by people with lived experience.” She gestures expressively while speaking.

Image 2: A busy room of Culture Shift staff sit in rows, writing notes. Izzy sits at the front, reaching out to a dog who is looking up at her, while participants smile and engage.

Image 3: A wide view of the workshop, showing Alex and Haydn at the front with a Happy Smiles banner and presentation screen. Staff sit attentively, taking notes on small whiteboards.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · Sep 17

Big thanks to the amazing Milliken team for donating 2 days via #MillikenGives to fit their sustainable Mash Up carpets in our office 🙌 They look great & cut waste! Now we’re after local creatives to help finish the transformation 🌟 happysmilestraining.co.uk #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledPeople

1 - A group photo of Happy Smiles Training team member Jenny with staff from Milliken, all smiling in branded t-shirts outside a brick office building.

2 - The Milliken volunteers posing inside a Happy Smiles Training photo frame that reads “Happy Smiles all round!”, smiling together.

3 - A newly refurbished office space at Happy Smiles Training with freshly laid Milliken Mash Up carpets in grey and patterned tones, modern office furniture, and walls decorated with certificates.

Happy Smiles Training 😁👍 @happysmilescic.bsky.social · Sep 16

Happy Smiles turned 6 last week! 🎉
We celebrated with team-chosen activities – creative fun, laughter-filled games, and chair yoga led by Ali Charnock 🙌
Huge thanks to our amazing team, supporters, and Spring View CSC for hosting! 💜
www.happysmilestraining.co.uk
#DisabledLed #DisabilityInclusion

Image 2 Description -
A collage of photos of Alex handing out celebratory certificates to Happy Smiles team members

Image 3 Description -
Happy Smiles team members taking part in Chair Yoga together in a community room space

Image 4 Description -
Haydn laughing as he wears a party hat and cuts a large birthday cake as Rebecca looks on