The finalists have been announced for the Positive Impact in the Community award, sponsored by Lovell, at the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2023.
This award recognises businesses that have adapted for the good of the community in response to a challenge or crisis.
Home Instead
Home Instead is a homecare provider covering the Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe areas.
The business has over 100 care professionals working in clients’ homes on a daily basis, providing companionship, home help, daily care, end-of-life care and live-in care.
Home Instead recently invested in a full-time head of community engagement, Wendy Chard, who has helped to develop three dementia cafes and dementia-friendly golf.
The judges said: “This is care provision which is trying to do much more than just provide care”. They praised the business’ work in the community and its efforts to share knowledge around dementia with other organisations.
Inspire
Inspire is a youth charity based in Ipswich which empowers under-25s to achieve a better future.
Working closely with young people, Inspire supports their personal development and wellbeing, as well as helping them overcome obstacles and progress onto professional pathways.
In the last 12 months, the organisation has helped almost 1,500 young people to grow their confidence, build new skills, deal with adversity and find their path in life.
The judges called Inspire “a very well-run organisation built on a passion for developing and supporting young people”. They commended the work that the charity does across the region, particularly in small communities that need it most.
St Elizabeth Hospice
St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity based in Ipswich providing free services for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
Established in 1989, the charity provides support at the hospice, at home and in the community.
The majority of funds are raised through donations and fundraising events, such as the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, which saw 115 owl sculptures placed throughout Ipswich, all sponsored by local businesses.
The judges felt the Big Hoot was “clearly a hugely valuable project which got businesses and the community involved and excited”, and they were pleased to hear that all of the money raised is going into projects in the community.
Sunrise Studios
Sunrise Studios in Lowestoft is a community production company operated by and for young people.
Established within regional charity Access Community Trust in 2021 by Joshua Freemantle when he was just 18, Sunrise offers media production services for local organisations.
All profits made through Sunrise’s services are reinvested to provide opportunities within media, music and the arts for under-25s.
It also delivered Lowestoft’s inaugural Film Festival in 2022 and has recently held music therapy sessions.
The judges said that Joshua blew them away, and added that “to have achieved what he has, at the age he is and with the very limited resources he has, is incredible”
The winners of the EADT Business Awards 2023 will be announced at an award ceremony at Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich on Thursday, September 28. For more information, please visit eadtbusinessawards.co.uk
To find out about the finalists in all categories, please click here.
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