Aspire is delighted to announce that it has taken the top prize in the Disability category at this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector.

The spinal injury charity won for its InstructAbility Programme, which enables disabled people to become fitness professionals and promote equality and inclusion across the leisure sector.

There are 11 million disabled people in the UK and less than 8 per cent are estimated to be achieving the recommended levels of physical activity.

Aspire works with YMCAfit and hundreds of leisure operators to create more disabled role models working in the fitness industry.

The scheme, funded by Sport England, has resulted in 300 disabled people qualifying as fitness professionals who have contributed over 40,000 hours of voluntary service to provide over 60,000 sessions to support disabled clients.

Over half have now been offered employment, and 80 per cent of the leisure centres which participated reported a positive impact.

Aspire was presented with the award at a black-tie ceremony at the Pavilion at the Tower of London on Thursday 8 June, hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.

Awards were also given to eight other category winners, the winner of the Overall Award for Excellence, and the recipient of the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Julian Chislett, chief executive of Civil Society Media, which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Aspire. He said:

“We had a record number of entries this year, and the standard was particularly high, so Aspire should be very proud to have won their category. Their work delivers great results.

“For 18 years the Charity Awards have been identifying and celebrating the fantastic work that UK charities do, and the rigorous judging process ensures that only the very best charities win awards.”

John Low, chief executive of Charities Aid Foundation, overall partner of the Charity Awards, said:

“The Charity Awards celebrate the inspiring work of people who make the world a better place.

“Recognising the remarkable work and impact of charities is an important aspect of preserving and building on Britain’s proud culture of generosity and civil action.

“The organisations we celebrate at these awards lead by their example in showing bravery and dynamism at a time when demand on charities is growing, society is becoming more divided and resources are becoming increasingly stretched.

“These are all inspirational examples of the amazing work done by charities in communities all over the UK and across the world. Our congratulations go out to all of them.”

Brian Carlin, chief executive of Aspire, said:

“I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to the creation and success of the InstructAbility programme and especially Hilary Farmiloe who has been leading this work for the past five years, and with her team, has achieved so much.  But most importantly, to all the InstructAbility graduates who are such wonderful ambassadors for inclusion in the fitness industry.”

Anyone interested in the programme can find out more at www.instructability.org.uk

The Shortlist and Winners 2017

OVERALL WINNER: The Clink Charity

DANIEL PHELAN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT:  Lynne Berry

CATEGORY WINNERS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Arts, culture and heritage	WINNER: Create
	Highly Commended: Penny Appeal
	Highly Commended: Rhythmix
Campaigning and advocacy	WINNER: National AIDS Trust
	Highly Commended: Hope for Justice
	Highly Commended: Action on Hearing Loss
Children and youth	WINNER: Lullaby Trust
	Highly Commended: Leap Confronting Conflict
	Highly Commended: The Wave Project
Disability	WINNER: Aspire
	Highly Commended: Auditory Verbal
	Highly Commended: Royal Mencap Society
Education and training	WINNER: The Clink Charity
	Highly Commended: The Economist Educational Foundation
	Highly Commended: RBLI
Environment and conservation	WINNER: FareShare
	Highly Commended: ClientEarth
	Highly Commended: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Grantmaking and funding	WINNER: East End Community Foundation
	Highly Commended: Cumbria Community Foundation
	Highly Commended: The Rank Foundation
Healthcare and medical research	WINNER: Prospect Hospice
	Highly Commended: Project Futures
	Highly Commended: Wales Air Ambulance Charity
International aid and development	WINNER: Pump Aid
	Highly Commended: Hand in Hand International
	Highly Commended: Islamic Relief Worldwide
Social care and welfare	WINNER: Smart Works
	Highly Commended:  Contact the Elderly
	Highly Commended: Safer Places

 

For more information about the Charity Awards 2017, including contacts at the shortlisted charities, please contact:

[email protected]