Did you engage other team members?
Our former Communications Lead (who coordinated the application) helped pull together all the evidence of impact and the latest information on our interventions from across the engagement and outreach teams, alongside our Impact Report. The operations team was also engaged in order to provide the latest data on our reach and impact aligned to our five key beneficiary outcomes. Describe any challenges you overcame in the process? The only challenge we faced was the receiving of the Award as the pandemic hit and lockdown restrictions came into place. We had to cancel the event at short notice, which was disappointing for our young people and supporters. Now you’ve won an award, what advice would you give to others thinking of applying? Especially if you are a small grass roots organisation that is beneficiary-focussed and have innovative employability programmes, we highly recommend that you consider applying as the Award recognises innovation and the unsung heroes of community-embedded organisations. How will you use your award to promote your business going forward? The Award and its positive legacy is long- lasting so we continue to reap its benefits. We reference and promote the Award in our marketing, funding applications and other collateral. It remains a clear marker of our established reputation.
social enterprises, go on to apply in the future. What do you consider to be the benefits of being a Queen’s Award holder? There are many positive benefits that we have gratefully received. Funders and other stakeholders, such as corporate partners, volunteer professionals, commissioners and community partners have acknowledged our success and continued focus to bridge the equality gap in Bristol, as well as our social mobility campaign, Our City 2030, being launched this autumn across the city of Bristol, to tackle inequality and empower young people secure quality jobs. And finally, could you please share some thoughts on what the Platinum Jubilee means to you? The Platinum Jubilee is a moment for reuniting communities and recognising the diversity across the country. It is encouraging to see that the role of ethnic communities and their significant impact on Britain is also being celebrated and is a key thread of the celebrations.
Would you consider applying again in future?
We would certainly consider applying again in the future as we grow and positively affect the lives of underrepresented young people across Bristol and the wider community. We are certain that we may see some of our alumni (Trailblazers) who are developing their own
Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022
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