Wendy Pearce from Blackpool has been shortlisted for the Life Time Achievement Award at the National Diversity Awards 2017. Charities and role models from across the UK will gather at the breath taking Anglican Cathedral on September 08th 2017 for the UK’s largest celebration of diversity.
The best of British diversity will travel to Liverpool to showcase the outstanding achievements of those who have demonstrated their devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in today’s society.
Over 22,000 nominations and votes were received this year, paying tribute to grass root communities nationwide.
Wendy said ‘I was absolutely amazed that I was nominated and to be shortlisted is wonderful. I was speechless when the email came through informing me I had been shortlisted. You don’t expect this kind of accolade after all the years of not being recognised. l feel honoured to be one of 22000 who were nominated and am looking forward to an amazing evening in Liverpool surrounded by people who also do wonderful work in their communities’
Wendy has been a youth and community workers for over 40 years. She has supported young people and their families in Blackpool & especially on the estates across the Town. At the amazing age of 76 she has no cause to stop! Wendy has supported over 1500 young people in the years she has worked as a youth worker be that working for Blackpool Council or the VCFS sector. Wendy is not only an amazing youth worker she has also managed many projects including Blackpool Boys and girls club, and Grange Park youth club, managing a staff team as a well as supporting students on placement from Cumbria University. She has mentored many students and colleagues and remains a font of all knowledge. She has developed a girls group to support the need for young women to become more independent and challenge stereotypes. She has developed some key projects within the group. She has successfully written and developed a babysitting courses which she currently delivers to both young men and young women across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Supporting young people in learning about children’s development, safeguarding, first aid, fire safety, boundaries and responsibility. Many young people who have attended her courses have progressed to nursing, children workers, play workers. Wendy is unique and has knowledge that could only be dreamt of, this type of commitment and experience can’t be taught in a classroom, but Wendy manages to mentor her colleagues to develop key skills in youth work and for this we at URPotential are truly grateful. She deserves this award to recognise her life time commitment to youth work she will always remain a very important woman in the field of youth work practice.
The prestigious black tie event is definitely one to mark down on your calendar and provides recognition for excellence regardless of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.
Microsoft will be just one of the brands supporting a skyfall of diverse talent alongside joint Headline Sponsors Direct Line Group.
Paul Geddes, CEO, Direct Line Group said “We know that having a diverse workforce not only brings in more talent, it increases the variety of thinking, enabling us to have a better understanding of our customers’ needs in an ever-changing Britain.”
“The momentum is gathering pace” he continued “but there is more all businesses can do to pave the way for change. We are therefore honoured to be sponsoring the National Diversity Awards to celebrate the success of role models, businesses and organisations who are leading the way to true diversity and
inclusion in our society.” Designed to highlight the country’s most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA’s are supported by the likes of Stephen Fry, Adam Hills and Sir Lenny Henry amongst many.
TV Presenter Graham Norton Said “Promoting and celebrating diversity is close to my heart which is why I am thrilled to support The National Diversity Awards! I want to wish all of this year’s shortlisted nominees the best of luck for the ceremony, you all deserve to win!’’
Previous winners include Huddersfield based Disability Theatre Group Shabang!, Freedom Fighting Refugee Aderonke Apata, and Transgender Support Charity Mermaids. Internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, Rachel looked back on her time winning the positive role model award in 2013 “It truly was a tremendously uplifting emotional evening, and I don’t think there was a single person in the room who would disagree with that! The evening represented everything that is good about our society”.
Rachel went on to receive the award for battling successfully against a potentially life limiting illness to produce works of art that are applauded worldwide. She continued “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating an exceptional night, the challenges ahead are still enormous, but with the ND Award in myh and, I will journey forward with renewed hope and ambition to try to do so much more, and in my efforts, hopefully I will, in some way, contribute to making the vital cultural shift within our society.”
Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of The National Diversity Awards said “I am so proud to be able to witness the journeys of some of the most inspiring role models this country has to offer. Each year I am overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of nominations, and those shortlisted should know how privileged I am to share your stories with the nation. You are all winners and I can’t wait to meet you at the ceremony.”
