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An ambitious charity working with young runaways in South Yorkshire has won an Everyday Impact Award by the Directory of Social Change (DSC).
SAFE@LAST founder Hilary Massarella says the charity’s vision is that every child be heard, giving them the very best opportunity to identify and resolve their issues surrounding running away.
“SAFE@LAST is unique in that it provides a full range of wrap around services for young runaways, from prevention right through to crisis intervention.”
“The award recognizes the tireless work of our staff and volunteers to improve outcomes for children and young people in our region. We aim to continue to deliver quality services for many years to come and to also expand our prevention work into Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley as funding allows. I hope winning an award such as this, which is voted for by the public, will endorse the value of our work to potential funders.”
Kevin Barron MP, a patron of SAFE@LAST, accepted the award and said “It is a pleasure to be at the ceremony and I am delighted that the charity has got the national recognition it deserves. Thanks to all of you who voted for us.”
The award was one of four offered by DSC at their annual Social Change Awards, which celebrate the passionate individuals and effective organisations committed to making a positive impact on society.
DSC Director of Development Graham Leigh said of the awards “It’s only our 3rd year and we already have nearly 400 applicants and nearly 3000 voters. They’ve always been high quality applications and it’s becoming more competitive and difficult to judge, which is exactly why we ask the public to help.”
“This is a huge catalogue of evidence of the great work that individuals and organisations do, which often goes unrecognised.”
Each winner and runner-up received a unique piece of art by cartoonist Grizelda, depicting their organisation and its work.
YoungMinds Very Important Kids (VIK) won the Influencer Award for their campaign to ensure the views of children and young people with mental health issues across the UK are heard.
Papworth Trust won the Public Body Award for their work as a disability charity in improving the quality of life for tenants, by giving them choice and control to achieve independent living in their own homes rather than as patients in NHS accommodations.
Diversity Hub won the Investing in Social Change Award for their leadership-training that works to bring individuals, families and communities together to celebrate diversity and promote greater understanding.
Runners up included SPACE Youth and Community Centre, Willow Foundation, Impetus Trust, The Funding Network, Teach First, Inclusive Fitness Initiative, Lewisham and Greenwich Young Cyclists, and National Museums Liverpool.
If you wish to interview one of our award winners or need more information please contact Richard Lee, 020 7391 4881 or Jay Kennedy, 07989 187537.
Notes to editors:
- More information about the winning entries and finalists can be viewed at: http://www.socialchangeawards.org.uk/winners.html
- Directory of Social Change (DSC) is an independent national charity and the largest provider of information and training to the UK voluntary and community sector. DSC seeks to support voluntary organisations become effective agents for social change.
- This is the third annual Social Change Awards hosted by DSC.