Adiaha Antigha Community Achievement Awards 2020 Hackney CVS is pleased to open the Adiaha Antigha community achievement awards for voting. You can vote for one organisation/individual in each category.Voting takes place from Monday 13th January 2020 until Friday 7th February 4pm.The award winners will be announced on the evening of Tuesday 11th February 2020 at our community awards night at Hackney Town Hall. To book your place at the awards night click here. Question Title * 1. The individual or organisation doing the best outreach work to engage new people Sarah Warman, Groundwork London > Groundwork London have a committed, passionate and engaging team who work tirelessly across many different engagement projects in Hackney. These include Circle - a community integration programme that offers regular community activities (cooking, crafts and gardening), ESOL, Wellbeing retreats and workshops, and Employment advice for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and UK nationals. We have been running this programme to huge success for over 1 year now and reaching many different groups, supporting them in understanding and learning from each other, as well as celebrating the different cultures and coming to understand them more. Real friendships have been born from this, as well as jobs, and most importantly health and well-being has improved for so many, coming from varied but often challenging backgrounds. Another project is Silver Connections and Silver Linings - both of which work ceaselessly to engage, empower and involve older people in community in different ways, to prevent social isolation and improve lives. Silver Connections is a project offering free courses to teach over 60's how to use mobile phones so they can stay in contact with family and friends, and discover what's on in their local area and make new friends. We have been in huge demand and really helped so many people to get out of social isolation or prevent those vulnerable to it. On all our projects, large numbers of real lives, often vulnerable people, are being positively impacted for the long term, improving Hackney's rich and diverse community. Rosa Friend, East London Cares > Rosa, Craig and Sasha have been fantastic at connecting with our older people and in a short space of time have set up social clubs in two of our estates and have signed up people to attend clubs elsewhere which we know they have attended. Their service is particularly valuable to us as they operate their clubs outside of 'normal' working hours and so are providing something during times when we are not staffed. Sadie Alleyne, Shoreditch Trust > Everyone at Shoreditch Trust working with us have been amazing in their outlook, flexibility and willingness - Laura, Maria, Teresa and Sadie but I am nominating Sadie for her work on the Community Connectors program as she has jumped at every opportunity to connect with our over 55s, she comes door knocking, attends coffee mornings, staff meetings and wellbeing days and we get great feedback from residents about her but more importantly many are attending outside activities because of her thoughtful encouragement. Lydia Batchelor, Lunch Up 347- Woodberry Down > Lydia is a ball of energy. Always willing to engage with bringing communities together through activities and partnership work. Lydia helped to set up the Lunch Up 347- Woodberry Down lunch club and continuously tries to improve the quality and variety of services available for local older people. She is one of the hardest working people I know. A great champion for the local community. Anouska, Forest road parents group > She has worked for many years as a parent champion and community activist. Akinola Oladejo, The Wickers Charity > Akinola is a young man who is mature beyond his 16 years. He acts as a peer mentor to other young people at The Wickers Charity's Safe Space in Hackney Wick and also in the community. Bashiir Hassan, Coffee Afrik CIC > Bashiir has worked in the community for over 20 years, none of this has been funded, so has been a volunteer for this entire duration. Operating from a shop/safe space for the Somali community. I was able to employ him due to the Connect Hackney tender, Ageing Better. I witnessed Bashiir completing forms, attending benefits tribunals and calling statutory services to help the community. The incredibly gentle and kind way he treats people has always stood out too and has been able to outreach successfully, starting with a small group and now supporting over 80 women. Bashiir has a lot of community engagement success and is well known in the voluntary community. I am proud to know him and thankful that the community has him. Question Title * 2. The individual or organisation doing the best work to challenge discrimination Parity project, ELBA > Launched at the end of 2017, the Parity project connects young Black men aged 18-30 and living in London to sustainable and well-paid employment in the corporate sector. This has included up skilling members within the communities by inviting members to insight days Young Black men are disproportionately unemployed or overrepresented in low-paid jobs or ad-hoc work that doesn't offer career progression. The project challenges discrimination by working directly with employers in the corporate sector to promote responsible recruitment and retention practices, diversify talent pipelines, strengthen internal BAME networks, and support senior leaders in understanding some of the issues that affect young Black men in London today via meaningful discussions and impactful mentoring programmes. Since project conception, the initiative has engaged 300 young men from across east London and beyond. Over half are now in employment. Eni Timi-Biu, East London Business Alliance > Eni reached out and helped me to not give up on my journey to find a job in London, invited me to networking events, and provided me with mental support during this tough time. Anne Thomas, Mind in the City, Hackney, and Waltham Forest > I am nominating Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest (MindCHWF) for The Adiaha Antigha Award for 'the organisation doing the best work to challenge discrimination' in their delivery of mental health training and awareness courses. These courses are vital in tackling Mental health discrimination and stigma across a broad intersection of the community, from child wellbeing, to training for corporations, frontline workers and the emergency services. Since April 2019 MindCHWF has delivered a record number of 91 courses across Hackney and the City of London, with demand consistently increasing. Organisations have found staff who have attended mental health first aid training or awareness courses are more equipped to identify and properly address colleagues suffering with mental health problems. One attendee stated that the course contained “knowledge delivered in an enthusiastic way, making a tough subject enjoyable”. The Training reduces discrimination by guiding people towards appropriate help, promoting the recovery of good mental health, encouraging self-care and best practice after a leave of absence - creating a mentally healthy workplace. Ultimately, the training provides a way to prevent a mental health problem becoming more serious for staff in industries that have statistically had some of the poorest mental health. Question Title * 3. The individual or organisation doing the best work bringing communities together and working across different communities in Hackney Michelle Dornelly, Children With Voices > Michelle is an absolute powerhouse, motivated, committed and deeply passionate about supporting people in our community who struggle with food poverty. Working with caterers, supermarkets and local businesses Michelle holds weekly food drop offs to groups and individuals. Her community lunches bring together Hackney's diverse community and her work is truly led by the needs of people. Whether it is in the day, evening, weekend or over holidays, anyone facing food insecurity who reaches out will get a visit from Michelle and her brilliant local volunteers. She absolutely deserves recognition for what she does. Anouska Raymond, Forest road parents group > Has passion being a parent community activist, giving selflessly to the project engaging parents and children alike. Has commitment and must be commended for continuous service. Jo Carter, Immediate Theatre > Jo has worked tirelessly over the last 22 years to engage the most vulnerable people across the borough, working with the most disengaged young people in marginalised communities to older isolated people through drama and the arts. Jo recently set up Theatre Exchange, a community theatre group for over-55's who meet weekly to produce theatre productions which has toured to lunch & social clubs, sheltered accommodation and hospices, where older people are suffering from isolation, loneliness or just cut themselves off from society. The group has broken down barriers when it comes to discussing their mental health and personal situations and have formed friendships and built on theatre and social skills, which they felt were long forgotten. Jo also spent a significant amount of time working with the Hackney Caribbean Elders on Leswin Road, who were, at first, reluctant to share their personal stories because of the struggles they had experienced when arriving in the UK. We created a character called Mercy which helped the group to share their stories with each other. For many, this was the first time they had done so and they commented that they were incredibly grateful for this opportunity and Jo’s presence every week. Badu Community, Plexal, Here East, E20 3BS > Badu Community has gained a local impact through the consistent work providing young people with positive opportunities. These positive opportunities include: -access to 12 after school clubs of different sports -mentorship to equip them with new skills. thus broadening potential life opportunities -safe and inclusive environments in neutral areas- reducing serious youth crime risks and any dangers Through our after school presence young people in the borough really appreciate what we do. In addition to this we priorities families and guardians to ensure community cohesion. We do this by working with the families providing them with activities and events suitable for all members of their home network. Joe Forecast, Holly Street Lunch Club > Joe has been running Holly Street Lunch Club with Gladys for many years. Gladys had set up the club some 40 years ago and at the age of 96 finally retired from running the club. Sadly, Gladys died last year. Joe at 96 is still involved in the running of the club, along with the club manager Nerine organising the three days a week lunch club and outing for the club members. Joe has always worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the members and has never asked for payment. Without Joe’s hard work the club would have closed. An unsung hero who has given his life to supporting the local community Nerine O'Connor, Holly Street Lunch Club > Nerine has been instrumental in helping to save and develop Holly Street Lunch Club. When she agreed to take over running of the club, it was in a dire position. The club had been run by two 96-year-old volunteers who could no longer manage the club effectively and wanted to retire. Since Nerine has been involved with the club it has gone from strength to strength, developing it’s infrastructure and attracting new members in a challenging financial environment. Velma Bramble, Chats Lunch Club> Velma has run the Chats Lunch Club for many years. With limited time and caring for her Mother who has Dementia. Velma works tirelessly to serve her lunch club members and bring together different communities. Chats Lunch Club is one of the only community centre in the locality and is vital for community cohesion Anouska Raymond, Forest road Parent Group > For so many years Anouska has been a front line community activist. She not only works to support parents in a variety of projects she also supports young people in the fight against knife crime. Anouska attends other local community workshops in South East and North West London to spread the word and engage members of the community to support the youth and change the mindset of knife crime culture. Anouska is an active member of the local communities, doing so much to ensure change and wellbeing amongst young people and families remain United as one whilst raising her own young beautiful family. Anouska Raymond, Volunteering and Community activist > She is very calm understanding and very helpful and easy person to talk to no matter your needs. Bisola Popoola, Safe House> This is a project bringing youths in London together using workshops and activities especially males, to create awareness about drugs and violence. Their workshops engage participants with their peers who have experienced adverse situations in life and have changed to make useful contributions to community development by caring and sharing. The last activity was called Youth Drop in collect a gift and chill time. The business community and individuals across London donated to this noble cause to beat knife crime among our youth especially males. Safe House has been acknowledged by the Church if England diocese of London and on documentary on ITV 4. The membership continues to grow. I recommend Bisola for spearheading such a unique project and her ability to get all sections of the community working alongside her. Connecting Communities > Connecting Communities > Connecting Communities seeks to bring together people from all walks of life, with a mission to encourage a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. Founded to provide a safe space for isolated communities blocked by language barrier, the organisation campaigns to raise awareness on important issues affecting Hackney residents. Their unique flagship leadership project opens doors for those silenced by language barriers in accessing critical services. They offer a bespoke ESOL which incorporates language with one-to-one support, interpreting and political education to confidently equip beneficiaries, most notably encouraging first time voter registration in the recent elections. Connecting Communities host regular workshops within local schools and universities - recently during Black History Month. Their work celebrates open dialogue to champion diversity during the current turbulent political climate. The team also fundraised to make Ramadan iftar dinner and Christmas lunch for homeless and vulnerable members of our community. They have also hosted Diversity day events to bring various people together to celebrate the beauty of Hackney, in music, food and providing a positive narrative than that which seek to divide us. Please consider them for this award as their amazing work makes wonderful impact. Lynette Yearwood, Pantonic steel orchestra > Lynette recognised how important it is to be involved in a community organisation, and for that organisation to be involved in its community. Following the death of her grandfather, Biggs Yearwood, in 2007 she decided she to continue the good work and the great legacy which he had created. Despite the challenges, she kept going and, in 2012, officially took over management of the band Pantonic Steel orchestra Her outstanding leadership, and continuous search for new ways in which Pantonic can get involved in, and make lasting changes to, Hackney’s community is endless. She never sways away from the root of band’s foundation - which is to make positive changes in the lives of young people, and to direct them into doing things which are constructive and productive. Her work through the band changes lives and creates positive role models, allowing many young people to have successful careers in producing, arranging, performing and teaching music. Working closely with local councils, other voluntary groups and businesses, she has built strong relationships throughout the community. Her involvement, dedication, and contribution to local events such as Hackney Carnival ensures steel pan music is always prominent in the area. As well as working with children and adults with special education needs, offering workshops, taster days, and international and BHM day events Despite working over 40hrs per week, she dedicates all her spare time to nurturing beginners, manging rehearsals and arranging music for the band. Band members adore her energy and skills, and her commitment and love of the instrument is contagious Faisal Pirbhai, Apex Learning Hub > Apex Learning Hub has been delivering community-based alternative & supplementary educational provision for young people in Hackney since 2016. They work closely with parent and carers to improve both attainment & expectation levels of over 120 young people in Hackney each weekend. Mentoring, coaching and leadership are all ingrained within the provision that they provide. More recently, they launched their ambitious ‘Community Partnership’ with Daubeney Primary School in September 2019, which focuses on young people specifically from the school, to ensure the best possible chances of achieving positive outcomes, particularly during the time of SATS. Apex is regarded as a safe, trusted and open organisation by parent & carers ensuring that young people can work in an environment that is mutually respectful and supportive; whilst fully understanding the challenges that young people face. The Apex programme allows for bespoke support and plans which are devised in partnership with parent/carers and the school, to ensure maximum opportunities for success. A key facet of their project is to raise the expectation levels of young people in themselves; recognising that perceived inequality and low-level perception of them needs to be overcome to develop them into inspirational and capable young people. More holistically, Apex works closely with a number of partners within the local community to ensure joined up working and to best utilise the limited resources available for the benefit of young people. Apex has successfully been able to support families and young people with the transition from primary to secondary school, secondary school to sixth form and also into employment and training, post 16. Apex Learning Hub key priorities continue to be: 1. Increase educational attainment & performance levels of young people from the Apex cohort. 2. Reduce the number of exclusions of Apex young people from school. 3. Support our most vulnerable Looked After/SEN Apex young people. 4. Work collaboratively with families of Apex young people to overcome wider socio-economic disadvantages. Jenna Fansa, Winter Toy Appeal > Jenna Fansa, is the type of person you wish everyone could have a version of in their life. Every inch of her is kind, caring and loving. Stoke Newington and the wider community are better off for having her in it. Jenna does so much for the community. She runs a local Facebook page for families called Stokey Parents which is a wonderful free resource for families who are looking for advice or friendships in the local area. Through stokey parents Jenna has also dreamed up and delivered amazing projects such as the Trick or Eat campaign, which collected over 12,000 extra meals for the Hackney Food Bank in 1 night. Jenna also launched the Winter Toy Appeal which collects and delivers over 4,000 new toys for families living in poverty in North/East London. Quite frankly Jenna isn’t the type of person to expect recognition or rewards but it think it’s about time that she knew we all appreciate the amazing work she does for our community. It would be a much sadder and lonelier place without her and her kindness.On top of which Jenna has spent the last 2 years campaigning tirelessly for clean air at highly polluted schools in Stoke Newington, threatened by large traffic and pollution increases due to the Council’s plans to close roads. Her energy and expertise know no bounds. Her sense of integrity and justice is stronger than anyone else I’ve met. She never stops fighting for the rights of children and those in poverty. All while looking after her own children. Jenna deserves proper recognition (although she’d be less than comfortable with it!) Question Title * 4. The individual or organisation doing the best work to empower disabled people Natasha Woolf, Kisharon > Kisharon supports people with learning disabilities so they can progress, achieve independence, enjoy life and to become valued members of their community, through meaningful vocation and a fulfilling social life. Kisharon’s Adult Day Opportunities at the Brenner Centre in Stamford Hill provides focus and a real sense of purpose for those that attend. There are a wide range of courses on offer as well as recreational activities and therapies. The Centre offers tailor-made opportunities in a caring environment, including courses on life skills, employment training, computer training, music, art and cooking. There is now an increased focus on employment and developing skills to prepare for future employment. Training includes sending out and packing mailings for charities and other organisations and creative work such as creating gifts which are then sold in the Kisharon Shop. Specifically, in the last year, 20,000 mailings were packed by people we support in Stamford Hill. These included all of Kisharon's fundraising appeals and the Annual Review. This all encourages greater independence, develops skills and leads to an increased sense of purpose and ultimately can lead to work opportunities and enhanced integration with the local community with several adults who attend now having regular paid work. Laura Prikken, Shoreditch Trust > Laura dedicates her life to helping people disabled by of the effects of stroke, supporting people as they adapt to their new circumstances, grieve for abilities they have lost and recover hope and recognition that a new life is possible. Her work includes one to one care, classes to help people learn to speak and walk again, and graded exercise. She also supports people engaging in struggles with benefits applications and transport problems, enabling people to lead an independent and dignified life. She also supports survivors of stroke to engage in volunteering - from making practical arrangements so people can lead social and activity groups for other stroke survivors, to engaging in preventative stroke education. Laura truly believes in recovery after stroke and the abilities of disabled people. She now leads a team of workers who embody that ethos. She has worked for the Stroke Project for 14 years, keeping the group together through multiple commissions and host organisations (the project moved to Shoreditch Trust in 2018), and always keeping the continuity of care for the people she supports at the heart of the service. I would love to reward her dedication to disabled people’s wellbeing and with this award. Question Title * 5. Contact Your name * Email Phone * Thank you for your time! And remember to join us for an inspiring awards' evening. Book your place here. Done