SupportActionNet Awards 2009: Excellence in Delivering Outstanding Outcomes for Vulnerable People that Generate Freedom and Fulfilment Supported by

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 109 entries received from across the UK 21 shortlisted organisations Votes and comments from practitioners and an expert panel: - Phil Forder, HMP Parc Marion Janner, Bright Audrey Mitchell, Thames Reach Andrew Church, Cambridge Housing Society Yvonne Davies, Audit Commission Cathy Davies, Hafan Cymru Maff Potts, The Salvation Army Mandy Williamson, Mind in Exeter and East Devon Ellen Clifford, Equinox

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Runners-up

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Birmingham City Mission for ‘The Workshop’ Creating a healing space for hurting and vulnerable people and using the craft of woodwork to help them find inner strength and self worth “I really liked the concept of healing through practical work and active listening. The project incorporates a relationship with the created object which then becomes imbued with the spirit of the individual... Building a sense self-worth through the act of creation.” “The emphasis on creating a place of warmth and belonging shows compassion that in the life of those who are homeless must be welcome indeed.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Birmingham City Mission for ‘The Workshop’ Creating a healing space for hurting and vulnerable people to find their inner strength and self worth “I really liked the concept of healing through practical work and active listening. The project incorporates a relationship with the created object which then becomes imbued with the spirit of the individual... Building a sense self-worth through the act of creation.” “The emphasis on creating a place of warmth and belonging shows compassion that in the life of those who are homeless must be welcome indeed.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Impact Housing Association for ‘On Yer Bike’ A cycling scheme for homeless people and residents at risk of social exclusion in Carlisle “A clever idea that fulfils so many functions – from individual health benefits and social inclusion through to changing attitudes at community level. It is inspiring.” “A fantastic scheme, inspirational, generates a real family atmosphere.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Impact Housing Association for ‘On Yer Bike’ A cycling scheme for homeless and at risk residents in Carlisle “A clever idea that fulfils so many functions – from individual health benefits and social inclusion through to changing attitudes at community level. It is inspiring.” “A fantastic scheme, inspirational, generates a real family atmosphere.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Community Network for ‘Seafarers Link’ Setting up telephone discussion and support groups to combat the growing problem of loneliness and isolation among retired seafarers “I loved the thoughtfulness behind this project – seeing a very specific and un-recognised need and responding so appropriately to it. It is how the world changes – through the building of grass roots communities – sharing histories and building friendships. Wonderful.” “Innovative in that it tackles a client group that I’ve never heard mentioned before but must suffer terrible isolation. The genius is that it uses something that people already have – a telephone. Also it is spreading and therefore is evidently having an impact”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Community Network for ‘Seafarers Link’ Setting up telephone discussion and support groups to combat the growing problem of loneliness and isolation among retired seafarers “I loved the thoughtfulness behind this project – seeing a very specific and un-recognised need and responding so appropriately to it. It is how the world changes – through the building of grass roots communities – sharing histories and building friendships. Wonderful.” “Innovative in that it tackles a client group that I’ve never heard mentioned before but must suffer terrible isolation. The genius is that it uses something that people already have – a telephone. Also it is spreading and therefore is evidently having an impact”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 HMP Forest Bank for ‘A Fresh Start’ A project in partnership with The Co-Operative Bank that enables prisoners to open a bank account prior to release “Hugely impactful, incredible outcomes, changing British prisons – the way they engaged with the Co-op bank is inspiring and original – gets ownership from one single bank to other banks to do the same, simple yet innovative. FANTASTIC.” “The number of accounts opened, the fact that 28 other prisons were involved, suggests this scheme will continue to play a part in reducing the risk of re-offending. The set up and sustainability seemed strong. I liked the simplicity of this scheme but also the fact it had such a huge impact.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 HMP Forest Bank for ‘A Fresh Start’ A bank account project in partnership with The Co-Operative Bank that enables prisoners to open a bank account prior to release “Hugely impactful, incredible outcomes, changing British prisons – the way they engaged with the Co-op bank is inspiring and original – gets ownership from one single bank to other banks to do the same, simple yet innovative. FANTASTIC.” “The number of accounts opened, the fact that 28 other prisons were involved, suggests this scheme will continue to play a part in reducing the risk of re-offending. The set up and sustainability seemed strong. I liked the simplicity of this scheme but also the fact it had such a huge impact.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Camden Calling Helping homeless, ex-homeless and vulnerable people to access the mainstream arts and music scene “This innovative project addresses issues of social marginalisation and provides opportunities for vulnerable people to build friendships, achieve well-being and gain work experience.” “It was the fact that this project is entirely user led which appealed to me, in addition to it providing the opportunity for homeless and vulnerable people to perform alongside professionals, thus enabling their standing in society and building their sense of self-worth.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Camden Calling Helping homeless, ex-homeless and vulnerable people to access the mainstream arts and music scene “This innovative project addresses issues of social marginalisation and provides opportunities for vulnerable people to build friendships, achieve well-being and gain work experience.” “It was the fact that this project is entirely user led which appealed to me, in addition to it providing the opportunity for homeless and vulnerable people to perform alongside professionals, thus enabling their standing in society and building their sense of self-worth.”

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Winner

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Depaul UK for ‘Reconnect’ Providing family mediation and relationship support to young offenders and to homeless and disadvantaged young people “Reconnect has achieved positive outcomes for large numbers of vulnerable young people. The project has overcome doubts about the need for relationship support alongside traditional models of resettlement support and has been extended to young offenders in prison.” “It is proven that if a young offender maintains his family links he is 6 times less likely to re-offend. This project intends to expand and work in prisons and will need lots of support to be accepted in that hostile environment. I admire those who carry out such work and wish them well.”

“My life has changed for the better, the help and support has been great and my life is much more complete. I have my own place and now have the confidence I lost back again.” Daniel, 17

“They went out of their way to help “They went out of their way to help.  Depaul UK actually made me a person; they made me feel like a young adult and helped me learn skills I never thought I could.” Leon, 18 

“When I was inside I had nothing and no-one to come out too, then these people came to see me in prison and helped me believe that my future could be good. " Andy, 19

SupportActionNet Awards 2009 Winners: Depaul UK for ‘Reconnect’ Providing family mediation and relationship support to young offenders and to homeless and disadvantaged young people “Reconnect has achieved positive outcomes for large numbers of vulnerable young people. The project has overcome doubts about the need for relationship support alongside traditional models of resettlement support and has been extended to young offenders in prison.” “It is proven that if a young offender maintains his family links he is 6 times less likely to re-offend. This project intends to expand and work in prisons and will need lots of support to be accepted in that hostile environment. I admire those who carry out such work and wish them well.”