This is a press release that was sent to the newspapers and radio

United Response has been 'highly commended' by the Charity Awards 2005 for the project UR First.

This means that the judges think that United Response is good at putting people first.

UR First is a project to help people with learning disabilities or mental health needs have more say and control over their lives.

The people who work for UR First support people and staff.

Many people United Response supports do not speak, read or write.

UR First has worked with each person to find out how people want to communicate.

And they have helped them to be heard by other people.

Because of this, people interview new staff who want to work with us.

Other people take part in staff training.

Teresa Ludwinski, took part in the training. She said:

"I was really scared before I took part in the training. But now I'm really chuffed."

UR First also works with people to include them in the decisions made by the organisation.