A young artist and neurodiversity advocate is set to receive a national honour.
Malachi Tasker, 19, from Cornwall, will be awarded the British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster
The award will include the BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Education.
Stephanie Wood, from BCA Partner One Stop, said: "This year’s medalists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times.
"We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals."
Malachi’s early life was shaped by limited expectations from others, who said he would not achieve mainstream education or independent living.
At just 13, he founded an art studio that gained international attention and became a National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes-qualified climber.
Malachi now delivers neurodivergence awareness training based on his own experiences and is the first young person invited to present this training to all UK police forces through the College of Policing.
To date, he has trained around 5,000 officers.
The BCA ceremony will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Konnie Huq and attended by BCA patrons Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, and The Lord Mott OBE.
Representatives from supporting organisations, including Specsavers, Places for People, Novus Property Solutions, and Aldermore Bank, are also expected to attend.
Following the presentation, award recipients will be treated to an open-top bus tour to take in some of Westminster’s iconic sights.
In total, 26 individuals will be honoured at this year’s ceremony for their exceptional contributions to society.
Malachi lives in Newquay and continues to champion greater understanding and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals through his work and advocacy.
His journey from educational exclusion to professional accomplishment highlights the importance of belief, understanding and tailored support.
