'Innovative' charity projects that promote diversity and inclusion are sharing £23,000 in prize money from insurer Zurich Municipal.

The funding has been handed out to recognise “the pivotal role that charitable organisations play in shaping society so that everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background”.

Winner of the top prize of £10,000 is Spark Inside, for its programme that supports Black and Mixed Heritage men in prison “providing a safe and empowering space for them to express themselves and reclaim their identities”.

“We at Spark Inside are thrilled and honoured to receive Zurich's Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion Award,” said its chief executive, Vicki Cardwell.

“This award will allow us to continue to drive change in the justice system and unlock the potential of more young people. We dedicate the award to the young men who participated in the Black Hero's Journey; their commitment and vulnerability inspires us."

Second place and a prize of £5,000 went to the Birth Partner Project, which supports pregnant refugee and asylum seeking women impacted by trauma. This offers a “culturally sensitive approach ensures that every woman feels supported during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood”, said the insurer.

“This money will enable us to consider new ways of training and tailor support measures as we uphold the trauma-informed care approach, as well as enable us to become even more culturally aware and provide more listening spaces,” said the project’s director Emily Roux.

In third place is Yopey, which has won £3,000 for its intergenerational community partnerships between schools and care homes. This “inspires, trains and supports teenagers to befriend care home residents, many of whom have dementia”.

“It’s wonderful that Zurich Municipal, an insurance giant, has recognised the work and value of YOPEY, a small charity with big ambitions,” said its founder Tony Gearing.

“This cash prize will help us to rebuild our partnerships between care homes and sixth-forms after the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, five further charity projects were highly commended by the insurer and receive £1,000 each. These are Strut Safe, Afrikindness, ABC to Read, Communitea Spaces and Whizz Kidz.

“Charitable organisations play such a crucial role in shaping our society and quite often make a huge impact with very limited resource and budget,” said Zurich Municipal head of performance and change Anne Constant.

“We designed the awards so they could honour all the amazing initiatives that charitable organisations do to help promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity within communities.

“We’re proud to celebrate this with them and offer financial grants to enable them to do even more great work.”

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