Laura Baxter MBE; Crafting communities where everyone belongs

Welcome back to Raising the Glass, in this episode weexplore how sport can transform lives far beyond the playing field, and how Co-creation with people with disabilities leads to better, more effective solutions, maybe even for society as a whole.

Host Rom sits down with Laura Baxter, MBE, CEO ofSpecial Olympics GB, for a very powerful conversation about the role of sport in breaking barriers, celebrating ability, and building communities where everyone belongs.

Laura shares her personal journey and the incredible workbeing done at Special Olympics GB; from grassroots opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, to high-impact partnerships like Meals That Matter with Coca-Cola and Co-op.

Together, they unpack why co-creation matters, how hiddendisabilities often go unrecognised, and why mentorship and family support play such a vital role in personal and professional growth.

This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn’t a box totick, it’s a practice, a mindset, and a commitment to creating space foreveryone.

Together, we discover;

• Inclusion is an action, not just a value.• Partnerships like Meals That Matter raise both awareness and vital funds.
• Activism can be draining. Recharging and sharing the load is essential.
• The focus should always be on ability, not disability.
• Creating space for everyone strengthens society as a whole.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-baxter-mbe-91393198/

https://shop.coop.co.uk/welcome?destination=%2Fmealsthatmatter

https://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/

https://raisingtheglass.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver-mooney-65730614/

Podcast production by https://www.gingerwizard.co.uk/