2015 GSK IMPACT Award winners
Our congratulations go to the 10 charities who have won 2015 GSK IMPACT Awards for their outstanding contributions to improving the UK’s health and wellbeing.
The following organisations will receive a £30,000 donation, plus two places on a unique training and development programme and an invitation to join the GSK IMPACT Awards Development Network with its programme of free meetings and events. The overall winner, RESTORE, was announced at the GSK IMPACT Awards ceremony on 14 May 2015.
RESTORE
Based in Oxfordshire, RESTORE empowers people with mental health problems to recover, secure employment and lead meaningful lives. A person who is off work for six months has only a 50 per cent chance of ever working again. 80 per cent of RESTORE's clients have severe or enduring mental health problems. It assists people in their recovery and supports them to obtain or keep voluntary or paid employment.
What the judges said
'RESTORE is committed to an issue that is of growing concern nationally - supporting people with mental ill health to maintain or gain employment. Inclusive and collaborative, it is a driving force in improving service provision and overcoming stigma. Its achievements are impressive, exemplifying best practice in a number of areas, and it has a huge impact on the lives of the individuals it helps.'
Alzheimer's Support
Based in Wiltshire, Alzheimer's Support helps to improve diagnosis and support for people with dementia. The charity's influential report 'Barriers to Diagnosis' helped change dementia care in Wiltshire, where average diagnosis waiting times fell from 13 months to just four weeks. Its memory awareness volunteers and training courses all promote understanding of the condition and the benefits of a timely diagnosis.
What the judges said
'It has broken down some of the taboos related to dementia, and is challenging the lack of early diagnosis, which is fundamentally important to managing this disease. It operates on the principles that people with dementia and their carers are at the centre of everything it does and its level of service delivery is impressive. It is making a massive difference to people's lives.'
CoolTan Arts
Based in Southwark, CoolTan Arts help improve the lives of people in mental distress through creativity, self-advocacy and volunteer opportunities. CoolTan run a vibrant community arts centre and undertake outreach to deliver a wide range of activities that interface with the wider public, helping to support recovery and reduce the stigma of mental distress.
What the judges said
'CoolTan Arts has managed to fuse creativity with support for people with mental health problems in ways which show innovation and real care. It is absolutely embedded in its community and is exemplary in supporting those who traditional services find hard to reach. A continually developing user-led organisation, it is tackling stigma and helping to build recovery.'
The Deborah Hutton Campaign
Based in Islington, The Deborah Hutton Campaign helps prevent smoking among young people through peer-to-peer education and campaigns, including its Cut Films Project. It is estimated that 207,000 children in the UK start smoking every year; starting at a young age is associated with heavier smoking and higher mortality. Its Cut Films Project organises national and local film projects and competitions to engage and educate young people and it also provides free online educational resources for schools and supports volunteer youth panels.
What the judges said
'Young people can be hard to engage in the dangers of smoking. This project shows real innovation in educating young people to identify their own reasons why smoking should be avoided. The work it does in schools is particularly effective - it speaks a language young people can understand and relate to.'
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is based in London and provides information and support to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. It also raises awareness of prevention programmes and campaigns for best care and treatment. Eight UK women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily and three will lose their lives. Research commissioned by the charity has shown that if screening uptake increased from its current level of 78 per cent to 85 per cent, numbers diagnosed would drop by 14 per cent in one year and the NHS would save £9 million annually.
What the judges said
'Its drive and accomplishments over the past five years are very impressive. Jo's has influenced and pushed the agenda showing dedication to excellence in a single field. It demonstrates a good use of social media and they work hard to reach those that most need their services.'
National Council for Palliative Care
The National Council for Palliative Care works for those involved in palliative, end-of-life and hospice care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. NCPC believes everyone approaching end of life has the right to the highest-quality care and support. Its Dying Matters coalition of 30,000 members promotes public awareness of the importance of talking more openly about dying, death and bereavement.
What the judges said
'With people living longer and dealing more and more with debilitating conditions, having an organisation giving a voice to those experiencing end-of-life care is of fundamental importance. NCPC is an impressive charity, achieving excellent results on behalf of people struggling with difficult circumstances. It leads the way in its field and has a key role in influencing policy and driving quality.'
Neuromuscular Centre
Based in Cheshire, Neuromuscular Centre supports people affected by Muscular Dystrophy to maintain the best quality of life. The Centre provides physiotherapy, support, advice and training for those with degenerative neuromuscular conditions. It works to support independence and also runs a commercially successful design and print arm, employing staff with neuromuscular conditions.
What the judges said
'It is a centre of excellence with a strong service model. It should be commended for its leading edge approach and the support it provides to people with muscular dystrophy, their families, carers and other professionals. It is particularly inclusive and enables people to maintain the best quality of life.'
Off the Record
Providing mental health support and information to young people (aged 11-25) in Bristol and south Gloucestershire. One in 10 young people will suffer mental health problems. Off the Record works across 15 sites providing services for young people. It works to destigmatise mental health and has helped to drive the development of youth mental health services in Bristol.
What the judges said
'Off the Record recognises the need to address mental health issues when people are young and challenge discrimination. It is particularly inclusive, reaching those who most need its services. Clear thinking and strategic, it has ambitious plans for further growth and has helped drive forward the development of youth community mental health provision in its area.'
The Junction
The Junction works in a deprived area of Edinburgh to support children and young people at risk of engaging in harmful behaviour to make them make positive choices that promote their health and wellbeing. Working in a deprived area of Edinburgh, The Junction sees young people as 'assets' rather than 'problems'. Its services, such as counselling, street works, alcohol, drug and sexual health support are based around young people's needs. They are available at the right location, at the right time, with no need to navigate across different service pathways.
What the judges said
'The Junction's starting point is that young people are an asset with the potential to improve their own health. It targets a range of young people who would otherwise have slipped through the net, creating a supportive environment and building service delivery around their needs. It is an excellent charity demonstrating impressive achievements.'
WAVE Trauma Centre
WAVE offers care and support to those bereaved, injured or traumatised through the violence in Northern Ireland, irrespective of religious, cultural or political beliefs. WAVE is a specialist trauma centre offering a range of services and trauma and resilience programmes including: counselling and physiotherapy; complementary therapies complementary therapies and outreach; and advocacy and casework services supporting individuals and families with outstanding conflict-related issues.
What the judges said
'In nearly 20 years WAVE has grown from a small group of passionate women to a highly recognised major trauma centre operating across Northern Ireland. It delivers a range of activities for and on behalf of victims, along with prevention and early intervention schemes. It demonstrates sophistication in its approach and impressive achievements.'
Runners up
The following runners up receive a £3,000 donation:
GSK IMPACT Award winners and their videos
GSK IMPACT Awards
Read more about the awards, how to apply and previous winners.
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