Jean Willson O.B.E

Tara Willson

Jean Willson was born in Islington in 1942 and has lived within the same 300 yards in all her 79 years in the borough. Willson has worked as a social worker and has led organisations working with and for people with disabilities. Willson has also acted as a trustee to six different charities and has been the chair, now president, of Centre 404. In 1968 alongside Jeanette Caruana and Anne Power, Willson was one of the founder members of the Martin Luther King Playgroup and Adventure Playground in Islington.

Willson’s OBE was awarded to her for services to people with learning disabilities and their family carers. She has also received the ‘Freedom of The Borough’, Islington’s highest award, in recognition of her major and unique contribution to improving the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities. Willson is a notable force to be reckoned with and has spent over fifty years fighting for social justice, challenging and overcoming prejudice and discrimination against those with disabilities time and time again. She has led many major justice campaigns including Death by Indifference and Changing Places Toilets. She has been a prolific campaigner and writer, making films and speaking at conferences – giving a voice for many and improving the lives for children and people with learning disabilities. Her latest work with NHS England, after the death of her daughter Victoria, is to improve the End-of-Life experience for those with learning disabilities.

Her daughter Tara writes

“Her dedication and passion to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers is compelling. Her indomitable energy and drive when campaigning is infectious. Her compassion and empathy when listening and responding to children and adults with learning disabilities, and their family carers is extraordinary. Her leadership and team building skills and getting the most out of people is remarkable. Her ability to get people to listen and then join in and work with her is staggering. She is a woman who gets things done. And finally, her humour and style are unique, and that they can break down barriers is impressive!”

Her ongoing work continues to be an inspiration to all. She has certainly made a lasting impression on Islington.