DERBYSHIRE CHARITY WINS NATIONAL ‘CHARITY OSCAR’ FOR PIONEERING EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

Zink CEO, Paul Bohan with Akshata Murty

A Derbyshire charity that’s transforming lives across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales has won one of the country’s most prestigious charity awards.

Zink, which supports local people out of poverty and into work, as well as providing holistic support services including a foodbank, eco-café and health activities was selected as a winner from 600 charities around the country in this year’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards, which are often dubbed the ‘Charity Oscars’.

The award, presented by Akshata Murty (Rishi Sunak’s wife) at a star-studded ceremony in London recently, recognises Zink’s groundbreaking ‘microjobs’ scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people to gain confidence, skills and experience through small, paid roles within the charity.

The charity has seen results that speak for themselves: “Three quarters of people on our microjobs scheme go on to find sustainable paid work,” said Zink CEO Paul Bohan.

Zink’s win highlights the important work being done in the region to build stronger futures for local people, as well as inspiring others to set up similar projects.

The charity’s pioneering approach has been highlighted in Parliament, and the charity continues to develop new ideas to tackle poverty – including offering housing and wellbeing initiatives that support people towards stability and independence.

From just 10 volunteers three years ago to over 130 today, Zink’s community has grown rapidly, showing the strength of local support and belief in its mission.

Zink’s work is largely funded by a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from supporters and businesses across Derbyshire and the UK. The charity hopes this national recognition will inspire similar projects, raise awareness, and sustain its life-changing work.

Visit Zink.org.uk to find out more about their work and activities.