Celebrating positive impact in the anti-poverty sector

By Hollie Griss, Communications and Media Officer at Resolve Poverty

Two weeks ago, we announced the winners of our inaugural Resolve Poverty Awards. The awards seek to celebrate the people, organisations, and networks across the country making a real difference in tackling poverty in local places and regions.

For our first time running the awards, it was amazing to receive 80+ nominations from across the country. It’s a reminder of how much incredible work goes on in our localities and regions, and we were delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate some of this work via the awards.

Here’s the full list of all winners and commendations:

Reducing health inequalities

• Winner: Citizens Advice Blackpool, in recognition of their partnership with primary care providers, which has created a seamless referral pathway – in turn transforming lives, improving mental and physical well-being and providing hope for people in the town.
• Highly commended: Caritas Salford, in recognition of their homeless health hub project, launched to address the severe health inequalities faced by people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“This gives that recognition that when you work in partnership, align services and work in an integrated way, it really does make a difference for people and populations – so we’re absolutely thrilled to win this award.” – Tracy Hopkins, CEO at Citizens Advice Blackpool

Partnership working (action)

• Winner: One Stop Shop and Trafford Council, in recognition of the council’s policy team and the services provided by their One Stop Shop, which gives face-to-face advice to residents across Trafford.

Business resolving poverty

• Winner: One+All, in recognition of their dedication to improving employment standards and wages.

Lived experience engagement

• Winner: the Positive Living Forum and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, in recognition of the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees team for its anti-poverty strategy, which was shaped by the lived experiences of residents. The Positive Living Forum was formed from the focus groups they ran with community members, including young people, refugees and asylum seekers.

“The Positive Living Forum has been a place of hope and belonging. Personally, I have seen my input of suggestions taken for consideration and as an asylum seeker, I did not think it was possible.” – Positive Living Forum member

Partnership working (strategy)

• Winner: Sovereign Network Group and Policy in Practice, in recognition of their commitment to supporting income maximisation, reducing arrears, and improving the quality of life for tenants.
• Highly commended: South Tyneside Council, in recognition of their adoption of an anti-poverty strategy to tackle poverty through a coordinated approach with partners.

Maximising the financial resources available to households

• Winner: Stockport Council and partners, in recognition of their efforts to support financially struggling residents, such as their one-stop shop.
• Highly commended: South Tyneside Council, in recognition of their provision of critical financial, debt, and benefits advice, and Southway Housing Trust, in recognition of their commitment to reducing poverty and supporting tenants through income maximisation, debt relief, and community initiatives.

“It’s really important work; it’s why we’re so passionate about it and why we’re so delighted to have won this award.” – Jilla Burgess-Allen, Head of Resident Services at Stockport Council

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This article is featured in our 13 November newsletter.

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