Portsmouth learning disability nurse is named among best in Britain in her field
A NURSE has been named among the best in Britain in her field after plugging a gap in education for people with learning disabilities.
Jenni Hudson, who runs Ready 2 Shine CIC in Somers Road North, Landport, is protecting learning disabled adults from coming to harm.
Jenni teaches relationships and sex education, including self-care, emotion management, sexuality, consent and sexual health.
This work, delivered with sexual health promotion practitioner Shannon Reddin, has seen Jenni being named as a finalist in the Learning Disability Nursing category of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2020.
Nurse Jenni is one of two named individuals among the five finalists, with NHS trusts and a prison team also on the list.
Jenni told The News: ‘To be chosen as one of the top five learning disability nurses in the UK in the year of the nurse is really exciting, it doesn’t feel real.
‘To get this far against some amazing professionals is beyond words.
‘Whatever happens this is a huge thing in my career and we as a team are so proud of what we do.’
Jenni assesses individuals’ needs, taking a tailored and holistic approach to deliver the right sessions.
In announcing the shortlist, the RCNi – a training provider owned by the Royal College of Nursing – said her work is ‘helping participants to make safe choices in safe relationships and safeguarding against exploitation and abuse’.
Since taking part in sessions, some participants have identified breast lumps, accessed cervical screening and sexual health services.
Jenni said: ‘We started this service as we saw a gap where people were struggling to access this type of education.
‘We initially saw it as an occasional session but it has grown so much over the last 18 months and is recognised across Hampshire and further afield.’
She added: ‘This is an area of need that has historically been given at low level during school years and so our participants enter adulthood with very limited understanding around safe and effective relationships.’
People taking part have gone on to see ‘amazing friendships and love relationships bloom,’ she added.