A campaign to save LGBT community pub lights up National Campaigner Awards.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s 2018 National Campaigner Awards were held in London on Wednesday, March 21.
These annual Awards are unique in celebrating some of the country’s foremost change-makers across categories ranging from best use of digital to the young person’s award.
The winner of the Best Community Campaign award this year were Friends of the Joiners Arms, who won the award for their campaign against the closure of legendary east-end LGBT+ pub.
The pub was closed in 2015 by developers intending to replace the venue with a luxury residential development. After three years of campaigning, the developers agreed to include the pub as part of the new development. Not only that, it is the first time planning conditions have been used to require developers ensure a pub is protected for the LGBT+ community.
The campaign also won additional protections: a 25 year lease; a larger footprint than previously occupied; first year rent-free; and £130k towards fit-out costs.
This award is sponsored by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and was presented by Craig Bennett, CEO of Friends of the Earth.
Speaking about their win, Friends of the Joiners Arms, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award. We are just one of the many campaigns representing the diverse queer community across the city, who have seen so many of their vital spaces taken away. This award is a recognition of how important this issue is, and that by joining together we can fight back!”
SMK’s Chief Executive Sue Tibballs, added: ‘The SMK Campaigner Awards provide us with a unique opportunity to celebrate some of the most inspiring, innovative and often courageous people who are speaking out to effect change. Our communities are fairer, safe, kinder and more tolerant as a result. Our thanks and congratulations to them all’
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) helps people and organisations effect positive and lasting social change – whether in their local community or across the globe, bringing communities together to share new ideas, knowledge and resources, helping people and organisations campaign more effectively and efficiently, build confidence, nurture talent and accelerate impact.
For more information about the SMK Awards, click here: