WAVES, a local charity from Cornwall has been nominated for the Community Organisation Award at The National Diversity Awards 2019.
The Breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral will play host to this year’s awards, to be held on 20th September. Britain’s most inspirational and selfless people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from grass roots communities.
The prestigious black tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.
"They were truly awesome. Waves was apparently THE only DA agency that was able or willing to help me when I was very ill, housebound, and financially bereft. And boy had I tried to get support from virtually every other agency. Those that didn\'t refuse outright, citing my level of physical illness as an excuse, just heartlessly signposted me around in circles, when I had very little energy to keep reaching out for help. Even the victim support lady couldn\'t get any of the other agencies on her referal list to help. At all. Yet Waves were able to provide a councilor who phoned me monthly and was one of 3 people in my life over the leaving and surviving period, who didn\'t totally abandoned me. She was often the only person I could speak to, at all. Its absolutely no exaggeration to say that I would not have survived without her. Her non- judgemental acceptance of my disabilities, including complex ptss, was often all that kept me hanging on to life. She steadfastly stood by me when no one else did. I can\'t thank her, or praise WAVES, enough."
Leading global brand Johnson & Johnson were 2018 Headline sponsors of the UK’s largest diversity awards, attracting a growing list of supporters including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper. Sir Lenny Henry CBE, previous shortlisted nominee for the Celebrity of the Year gong said:
“Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; its means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on!”
Actor Warwick Davis and Human Rights activist Abbey Kiwanuka received accolades at last year’s ceremony alongside a host of incredible award winners.
Kick It Out, the UK’s Leading organisation campaigning for equality in football, beat seven other competitors for the Race, Faith & Religion category, and Rocking2Stomas blogger Rachel Jury was praised for using her impressive following to shine a light on urostomy awareness.
ADHD Foundation were commended for changing attitudes and improving life chances through tireless campaigning, and Action Breaks Silence were applauded for offering free self defence training to over 50,000 women and girls at risk of gender-based violence.
Sail NI were praised for supporting over 300 transgender people and their families across the Northern Ireland, and Geoff Holt MBE scooped the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for founding Wetwheels, taking more than 5,000 disabled people on the water each year.
Radio Reverb, Touchstone and Rachael Pearson were also recognised amongst some of the UK’s most inspiring role models and community organisations.
The National Diversity Awards receives over 25,000 nominations and votes annually. Founder & CEO Paul Sesay said, “As we enter our 08th awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those
who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year”.
Nominations are now open and close May 31st 2019 - so don’t miss out on your chance to get involved!
Shortlisted nominees will be announced shortly after this date.
To nominate WAVES Counselling Project please visit: https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate/22234/
Or for a nomination form please email: emma@nationaldiversityawards.co.uk