Buxton-based Zink has won one of the country’s most prestigious charity awards – a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Award, often referred to as the ‘Charity Oscars.’
Zink helps transform lives by supporting local people out of poverty and into work through its innovative employment programme – as well as providing holistic support services including a foodbank, eco-café and health activities. Zink was selected as a winner from 600 charities around the country.
The award, presented by Akshata Murty (businesswoman and wife of Rishi Sunak) at a ceremony in London on 17 November, recognises Zink’s groundbreaking ‘microjobs’ scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people to gain confidence, skills and experience through small, paid roles. Microjobs act as a vital bridge between volunteering and sustained employment – and the results speak for themselves.
“Three quarters of people on our microjobs scheme go on to find sustainable paid work,” said Zink CEO Paul Bohan. “That’s an incredible outcome compared to the 30% success rate of the national Restart programme. We’re proud to have created an approach that makes a real difference and supports people to turn their lives around.”
The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think tank based in Westminster, founded in 2004 by former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Its aim is to tackle the root causes of poverty and social problems in the UK — such as family breakdown, addiction, educational failure, debt and worklessness — by developing evidence-based policies that influence government and empower communities. Every year the CSJ scours the country for the very best grassroots charities fighting these issues on the front line.
Zink’s win highlights the important work being done in Buxton and the High Peak to build stronger futures for local people – as well as inspiring others to set up similar projects.
The charity’s pioneering approach has recently 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.
“This award is a huge honour for our staff, volunteers and the community that supports us,” added Paul. “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 work is funded by a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from local supporters and businesses. The charity hopes this national recognition will inspire similar projects, raise awareness, and sustain its life-changing work across Buxton and the High Peak.
Visit zink.org.uk to find out more about their work and activities.
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