Celebrating Celine’s National Diversity Award nomination 💜
- Celine Dyer
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
We are incredibly proud to share some special news from the Neurodevelopmental Empowerment Strategy Team (NEST).
One of our team members, Celine Dyer, has been shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2026 in the Positive Role Model – Disability category.
Celine is also the only person from Ayrshire to be nominated across all categories this year. A national recognition like this feels important to celebrate locally – even though Celine herself would never ask for that spotlight.
A journey shaped by resilience and determination 💚
Much of Celine’s work is shaped by lived experience, which she shares thoughtfully and purposefully to help others feel understood, supported and less alone.
When Celine was 16, while still at school, she underwent two spinal surgeries back to back after years of trying to advocate for her health concerns to be taken seriously. The surgeries put her ability to walk at risk, and she had to relearn how to walk while sitting her Highers at secondary school.
Celine now lives with a degenerative spinal condition, alongside Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which causes daily non‑epileptic seizures, and Trigeminal Neuralgia, a condition known for causing severe pain. She is also a wheelchair user and neurodivergent, with autism, ADHD and DCD.
Celine shares these experiences not for recognition, but because she knows how powerful it is to feel believed and understood, especially when systems have not always made space for that.
Turning lived experience into meaningful change 💙
Celine works as a Project Co‑ordinator with NEST within NHS Ayrshire and Arran, supporting neurodivergent individuals, families and professionals across Ayrshire. Her work includes delivering workshops, developing accessible resources and offering guidance grounded in empathy and understanding.
Before joining NEST, Celine also spent 15 years supporting and then running a local charity in South Ayrshire, supporting autistic individuals and their families by creating safe, accessible and welcoming community spaces.
This long‑standing commitment has always been about community, empowerment and reducing isolation.
A role model who leads with humility 💜
When Celine found out about the nomination, she was genuinely shocked. Her immediate response was to talk about the people she has learned from and worked alongside – families, professionals and communities.
She often says everything she does is shaped by lived experience. Not just her own, but the experiences others trust her to hold and learn from.
That values‑led, reflective approach is exactly why this nomination matters.
Celine shows that being a positive role model is not about visibility or titles. It is about listening, learning and showing up with kindness.
Why we’re asking for your support 💚
The Positive Role Model – Disability award recognises individuals who are helping to break down barriers and improve understanding of disability in everyday life.
Celine would never ask for votes herself – so we are doing it as a team.
If you believe in inclusive practice, empowerment and the importance of lived experience, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
👉 Vote for Celine here:
Thank you for standing with us 💙
This nomination reflects the strength of community, understanding and working together to create change.
From all of us at NEST, thank you for supporting Celine, for voting, and for being part of a community that champions inclusion, compassion and respect 💚
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