Moving into a new home can be a life-changing moment, but for writer and performer Spike Brooks, it also coincided with an unexpected national achievement.

Spike is celebrating after winning the Sports, Arts and Entertainment category at the national Dimensions Learning Leaders’ Disability and Autism Awards.

The recognition came shortly after he moved in with Shared Lives Carers Susan and Robert Smith in Newton Abbot.

The award journey began with what seemed like a routine email.

“I received an email that I was nominated for something. And I was like, ‘huh, neat’, and that’s when I found out about Dimensions,” said Spike.

While pleased to be nominated, he never expected to progress through the competition.

“Being nominated for an award surprised me, but I thought that was it. Probably a month later, I got another email saying I was one of the finalists. And I was like, ‘Huh, that’s cool’, but again, I didn’t think I’d win.”

The news that he had won arrived while he was with his theatre group.

“I can’t actually say what I said, but I was shocked, to say the least,” Spike laughed.

After keeping the news under wraps until the official announcement, he attended the awards ceremony on 20 October alongside his mother.

Leaders’ awards

The Dimensions Leaders’ Awards 2026 ceremony took place at Paintworks in Bristol, celebrating adults with learning disabilities and autistic people across the UK.

Twenty people and groups with disabilities were recognised for their leadership, creativity, advocacy, and contribution to their communities at the ceremony.

“I did say I wasn’t expecting to win, but I am very grateful and proud to receive it. I went with my mother, whom I thanked for creating me. It’s great to get an award and messages from my friends and family.

“I’m thankful to Laura Cantliff and the Dimensions team. This experience would definitely be mentioned in my next play, Stuck On Chapter Two: The Unnecessary Sequel Written By An A.I. (Autistic Idiot).”

The award recognises Spike’s significant contribution to Plymouth’s arts and cultural scene. A writer, performer and self-confessed metalhead, he has built a reputation for championing inclusion, creativity and authentic self-expression.

As a key member of Funky Llama, Spike regularly MCs events across the city, from festivals to club nights, helping create welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity and community connection.

His acclaimed one-man show, Stuck on Chapter One, premiered at Theatre Royal Plymouth in 2023 and has since reached an even wider audience through podcast platforms. The production offers a heartfelt, humorous and insightful exploration of autism.

Beyond his solo work, Spike collaborates with Extraordinary Bodies and Diverse City while developing a multimedia franchise based on his own original storytelling. His creative projects often draw on themes of neurodiversity, alternative worlds and individuality, inspiring audiences to view difference as a strength.

Milestone

Winning a national Learning Leaders Award is another milestone in an already impressive creative journey. For Spike, the recognition may have been unexpected, but it reflects the impact he continues to make through his writing and performances.

And while the award now has pride of place, it sounds as though Spike is already turning his attention to the next chapter of his story.