Role models and charities were honoured at The Hurlingham Club in London at a ceremony rewarding Britain’s most inspirational people for their fight against inequality.
OVER 21,000 nominations and votes were received this year paying tribute to those from under-represented backgrounds who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the equality agenda.
Brighton based Allsorts Youth Project won the Age Community Organisation Award from the shortlisted 5 organisations.
Allsorts was founded in 1999, by Jess Wood and James Newton, to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* youth in Brighton and Hove. It provides a Safe Space for LGBTU young people under 26, along with youth volunteering opportunities, which includes peer education and outreach in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.
Judges commended the project for engaging in community development work with young LGBTU, BME and disabled people using digital and social media to connect.
Through media, events, conferences and celebrations, Allsorts create a positive image of LGBTU young people, challenging stereotypes and providing inspiring role models.
Allsorts runs endless campaigns and initiatives, including ‘LGBT Children Young People and Families Day’ for LGBT History month and ‘End LGBT Bullying’, a viral campaign for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, that included a series of images of the young people saying what their school could have done better for LGBTU youth.
Lucas Abedecain who received the award on behalf of Allsorts, said: “It’s a great tribute to our charity and all those who volunteer and work for it, to receive such a significant award, just being shortlisted was a fantastic feeling but for our work to be recognised on the national level is something else”
Jess Wood MBE, founder and director of the charity, added: “It is a great honour for Allsorts to win this prestigious awards. Our youth volunteers really deserve it!”
The ceremony started with an inspirational speech from Human Rights Activist Peter Tatchell, followed by the ‘The Last Leg’ stars Adam Hills and Alex Brooker presenting the positive role model award for disability to Sarah Chapman.
Another highlight of the evening came when Stephen Sutton was honoured with a Special Recognition Award, which was collected by his older brother Chris Sutton. There was not a dry eye in the house as guests were reminded of Stephen’s courageous efforts for raising over £4 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
After decades of supporting disabled children through her organisation the Touch Trust, Dilys Price OBE, was awarded the lifetime achiever award by Paralympic medallist Ade Adepitan.
The night also featured performances from Liverpool boy band MiC LOWRY, and singer Lemar.
The prestigious black-tie event has attracted a growing list of top employers including Microsoft, Lloyds Banking Group, Transport for London, PWC, Sky, MI5, The Open University, Financial Ombudsman Service, ThoughtWorks, Mouchel and Penna.
To view the full list of winners, CLICK HERE:
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