FINALIST AT CHARITY TODAY AWARDS
FINALIST AT CHARITY TODAY AWARDS
Caritas Anchor House was delighted to be a highly commended finalist at the Charity Today Awards, in the Community Impact Award category. Now in its ninth year, the national Charity Today Awards reward individuals and organisations around the UK who have demonstrated excellence within the charity sector.
This accolade recognised our Your Space programme. At its heart, Your Space is a community-based therapeutic service providing discussion groups in safe, non-judgmental environments. We reach out to the most isolated members of the community and bring them together in a safe space, facilitate conversations and build confidence and support networks.
All members in the groups are given a voice, and are encouraged to share their thoughts, struggles and successes. They receive peer-to-peer support and guidance, which helps to empower members and improve their confidence when navigating situations which can be difficult. A variety of activities are offered, including conversation clubs, walk and talk groups, conversational skills with ESOL, connecting families and connecting elders groups.
Denise, who has been coming to Your Space for over six years, said:
“I was introduced to Your Space by a friend, and I’m so happy she persuaded me to come along. People were so welcoming and friendly. They accepted me and my family.
We all respect each other and we really do care. Everyone has your best interests at heart, and I’ve never felt that at any other group I’ve gone to.
Without Your Space, I don’t think I would be where I am now. I’ve got more confidence and been inspired to do other things. You don’t get to choose your family – but this is the family I would have chosen.”
Speaking after the event, Lee Rayment, founder of Charity Today, said, “I want to congratulate all the winners tonight, and I believe it is important to extend a great deal of gratitude towards the other finalists who conducted themselves with grace and dignity the whole evening. A fantastic occasion.”