Local Charity Triumphs at National 'Charity Oscars'
A Derbyshire charity that is profoundly changing lives across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales has been honoured with one of the UK's most esteemed charity awards. Zink, an organisation dedicated to supporting local people out of poverty and into employment, was chosen as a winner from 600 charities nationwide at this year's Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards, often referred to as the 'Charity Oscars'.
Groundbreaking Microjobs Scheme Recognised
The award was presented at a star-studded London ceremony by Akshata Murty, the wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It specifically recognises Zink's innovative microjobs scheme, a pioneering initiative designed to help the long-term unemployed. The scheme provides small, paid roles within the charity, allowing participants to build confidence, gain valuable skills, and accumulate practical work experience.
This recognition comes at a critical time for the UK charity sector, with recent research indicating that two in five charities anticipate cutting jobs within the next year. Despite this challenging backdrop, Zink is expanding thanks to its creative and effective approach. With unemployment on the rise, the charity's microjobs are more vital than ever, acting as a crucial bridge between volunteering and sustained, long-term employment.
The success of the programme is undeniable. Zink CEO Paul Bohan revealed the powerful results: "Three quarters of people on our microjobs scheme go on to find sustainable paid work. That's an incredible outcome compared to the 30% success rate of the national Restart programme." He added, "We're proud to have created an approach that makes a real difference and supports people to turn their lives around."
A Beacon of Hope and Community Growth
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) is an independent Westminster think tank founded in 2004 by former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Its mission is to tackle the root causes of UK poverty, such as worklessness and debt, by developing evidence-based policies. Each year, the CSJ searches for the best grassroots charities addressing these issues on the front line.
Zink's win not only highlights the impactful work happening in the region but also serves as an inspiration for others to launch similar projects. The charity's pioneering methods have even been discussed in Parliament, and it continues to innovate with new ideas to combat poverty, including housing and wellbeing initiatives that promote stability and independence.
The growth of Zink's community support has been remarkable. From just 10 volunteers three years ago, the charity now boasts a team of over 130 dedicated individuals, demonstrating strong local belief in its mission. Paul Bohan emphasised the collective effort behind the award: "This award is a huge honour for our staff, volunteers and the community that supports us. It recognises not just our achievements, but the collective effort of everyone who gives time, funding or encouragement to make Zink’s work possible."
Zink's vital work is funded through a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from supporters and businesses across Derbyshire and the wider UK. The charity hopes this national recognition will raise awareness, inspire similar projects, and help sustain its life-changing work for years to come.
