Community organisations dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with additional needs and their families have scooped top honours in prestigious awards.
Ryedale Special Families won the inclusive communities category in North Yorkshire’s Community Awards, which recognises organisations that bring people together and help them to flourish.
This can range from overcoming digital barriers to accessing technology, or physical barriers to access services, particularly for under-represented or marginalised groups.
The organisation supports families of children and young people with disabilities, additional needs and complex medical conditions.
The purpose-built accessible centre on Outgang Lane in Pickering has removed barriers, providing state-of-the-art facilities, sensory spaces, educational resources and accessible community spaces.
The chief officer of Ryedale Special Families, Lisa Keenan, said: “Our aim is to ensure that those visiting the centre feel welcome and included. It provides a space that can enhance education, independence and social skills.
“We are proud of the accessible centre and now look to develop the area outside of the building to let young people and their families enjoy being in the great outdoors.”
A total of 66 nominations were made across three categories in this year’s Community Awards.
The wellbeing and community connection award was given to SENDure CIC, which recognises those who support people to feel healthier and included where they live.
The volunteer-led organisation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and supporting their families across Whitby and surrounding areas.
Through inclusive activities, peer support opportunities and family-centred services, the organisation reduces isolation, promotes wellbeing and creates environments where they feel accepted, valued and connected.
The founder and director of SENDure CIC, Sean Kirk, said: “We deliver weekly sauna sessions for parents and carers, arts and crafts sessions for the children as well as horse-riding and sporting activities.
“When people access our services, our aim is to provide compassion and make everybody feel like they belong.
“The children don’t get labelled and we hope that everybody goes home happier than when they came in.
“For the future, we would love to open a community hub and welfare centre in the town to provide more support to the families that desperately need it.”
Council chair, Cllr David Chance, said: “We are always bowled over by the examples of lifechanging work of individuals and community groups who give their time to support and strengthen the places where they live.
“Our Community Awards shine a light on the positive impact they have, and I would like to thank everybody who submitted nominations and congratulate the winners, runners-up and those highly commended.”
Graham and Gwen Cleverly were the winners of the commitment to the community category, which recognises volunteers who have shown unwavering dedication in the places that they live.
Since moving to Austwick, near Settle, in 2012, the married couple have dedicated much of their time to fundraising, organising events, supporting local organisations and improving village life.
They have held numerous leadership roles, such as chairs, trustees and organisers of community groups, while championing projects from rural broadband and environmental initiatives to open gardens, village shows, local history, renewable energy and support for Ukrainian refugees.
Gwen said: “We have been involved in a lot of things and enjoy working on projects that benefit the community.
“I want to use my experience, time, and energy in a meaningful way. Austwick is a smashing place to live. It’s a vibrant community and anything I can do to help that continue and develop is very worthwhile.”
The ceremony was held at the Wider Partnership Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate today (Friday, October 16).
The winners received £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category received £250.