A wellbeing charity in Kent is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award for its approach to providing art-based activities in local care and residential homes.
The Halpern Charitable Foundation from Kent was named winner of the highly coveted Creative arts category, at this year’s Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards. The charity works with vulnerable people of all ages, using creative activity to boost wellbeing and general health.
Now in its 12th year, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards were founded by and organised by Care Management Matters (CMM), and developed in conjunction with the National Care Forum, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert advice in the care sector.
The awards recognise the hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence of everyone working in the not-for-profit sector who is making a positive difference to people’s lives, whether they are supporting children or adults.
The accolade was given to The Halpern Charitable Foundation for their Nucleus Arts Outreach team and their work in local care and residential homes. Judges praised the team for their work in providing thousands of places at arts and wellbeing sessions, which attendees report are an essential lifeline, outside of which they would have very little social interaction. The team believe that everyone can express their creativity, no matter their age, background, status or health – and through their work, they aim to use the healing power of the arts to improve mental and physical health.
Commenting on their success, Dr David Stokes, CEO, said: “Winning the Creative arts category is a real honour and one we are very proud of. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the work taking place in the not-for-profit care sector and to be recognised alongside so many dedicated people and organisations across the UK.
“This recognition reflects the commitment of everyone involved at The Halpern Charitable Foundation and the positive difference that can be made when people work together to support others.”
Held at Birmingham Town Hall, the award ceremony was hosted by actress and television presenter, Sally Lindsay MBE, and brought together esteemed leaders in health and social care from across the UK to learn about and applaud the diverse work of the winners and finalists.
Simon Johnston, Marketing Director UK at Markel, stated: “Every year, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards shine a light on the remarkable work happening across the not-for-profit care sector. The dedication, resilience, and compassion demonstrated by individuals and teams continues to be truly inspiring and we are delighted to be giving them the recognition they deserve.
“The Halpern Charitable Foundation stood out to the judging panel for their dedication and the meaningful impact they are making for the people they support.
“As the awards enter their twelfth year, we remain proud to work alongside CMM to celebrate the achievements of the sector. Keeping the awards free to enter and attend remains a core part of this, ensuring that organisations and individuals from across the sector have the opportunity to take part and be recognised.
“Congratulations to The Halpern Charitable Foundation and all of this year’s finalists. Their commitment plays a vital role in improving lives and strengthening communities in every corner of the UK.”
Lisa Werthmann, Director at Care Management Matters, said: “We are so proud to be able to continue to produce these awards. The not-for-profit sector is full to the brim of incredible people delivering outstanding outcomes for vulnerable people.
“These awards aim to shine a spotlight on them and celebrate them with the recognition they deserve. This year’s finalists and winners just highlight what wonderful work takes place every day and we want to congratulate all those involved.”
Entries to next year’s awards will be opening later this year for anyone working in the not-for-profit sector who is making a positive difference to people’s lives. Anyone can enter themselves or nominate someone else in one of the categories – no matter what their position in an organisation. More information on the benefits of entering and winning the awards can be found on the Why Enter? page.
Markel is widely recognised as a key supporter to the care sector through the provision of specialist insurance, legal, tax and consultancy capabilities. One such service the company provides to the sector is its specialist care consultancy, Markel Care Practitioners, which exists to provide support across a range of issues such as risk management, inspection preparation and continuity planning.
Those wishing to find out more about the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, or looking to register their interest for this year’s entry window, can do so at: care.uk.markel.com/care-awards/
More information about Markel Care can also be found here.
