Dudley Adult and Community Learning is celebrating a double success after winning a prestigious regional award and seeing one of its learners shortlisted among the best in the West Midlands.
The service was named winner of the West Midlands Combined Authority Innovation in Adult Learning Award 2026 for its pioneering Comm-Cast Project, an initiative that supports neurodiverse learners to develop podcasting and media production skills while building confidence, communication abilities and employability.
The award was presented at the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards held at STEAMhouse, Birmingham, on 8 July 2026. The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in adult learning, skills and employment across the region, recognising learners, tutors, employers and providers who are transforming lives through education.
The award recognises both the innovative work of the ACL team and, most importantly, the achievements of the learners who have taken part in the project.
Comm-Cast enables neurodiverse learners to create podcasts and media content that raise awareness of important issues, challenge stigma and promote positive change within their communities. Through the programme, participants develop practical media skills alongside greater confidence and improved employment prospects.
Matthew Atkins, who participated in the Neuro News/Comm-Cast programme, was shortlisted in the Adult Learner of the Year – Skills for Life category. Matthew was selected as one of only three finalists from across the West Midlands in recognition of his dedication, personal development and achievements.
Through the programme, Matthew has developed his communication skills and secured a voluntary role contributing to community media, demonstrating the impact of personalised and inclusive adult learning support.
Councillor Simon Phipps, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: "This double success at the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards is a tremendous achievement and highlights the life-changing impact of adult learning in Dudley.
"To be recognised for innovation through the Comm-Cast project, while also seeing one of our learners shortlisted among the very best in the region, is something we are incredibly proud of.
"The Comm-Cast project has empowered neurodiverse learners to develop new skills, build confidence and share their voices with others, while Matthew's achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through dedication and the right support.
"I would like to congratulate everyone involved – our learners, tutors and wider Adult and Community Learning team – for this fantastic regional recognition."
This is the latest win for the team at the reginal awards. In 2025, Dudley secured two major awards, winning Inclusive and Innovative Recruitment Champion for the ICAN partnership between Dudley Council and the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Inspirational Learner of the Year for Asifa Shaheen.
Previously, in 2023, Ian Winfield was named Inspirational Tutor of the Year in recognition of his innovative Deaf awareness and British Sign Language teaching, while the Dudley ACL team also received a Highly Commended award.
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