GVA nominated for 2023 diversity award
By Kate Durbin
LOCAL CHARITY, Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA), has been nominated for the Community Organisation Award (multi-strand) category at The National Diversity Awards 2023.
The breath-taking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral will play host to this year’s awards, to be held on Friday, 15th September 2023. Britain’s most inspirational and selfless people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from grass roots communities.
The prestigious black-tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity, including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation. Kay Hallsworth, GVA Chief Executive Officer, said: “Inclusion and equity of access to community is at the core of our work ethic here at GVA. We strive to support the whole of our local community, especially those who are at risk of marginalisation due to factors that impact their ability to engage with us. WE are responsible for trying to ensure we are accessible and inclusive to all, including our staff.”
She continued: “£Our community engagement work centres around ‘Bringing Gosport Together’ and we know that “together, we are stronger.” We need to embrace and celebrate everyone in Gosport and ensure that this work is not just about box ticking, but about real people in our Borough and beyond. We must be leaders and role models across all parts of the community we engage with and promote positive change going forward.”
ITV News will be working in association with The National Diversity Awards to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels. Acting editor Rachel Corp said: “We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others have made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society.”
The UK’s largest diversity awards have attracted a growing list of supporters, including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper. Sir Lenny Henry CBE, a past year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong said: “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; its means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on!”
The National Diversity Awards receives over 60,000 nominations and votes annually. Founder & CEO Paul Sesay said, “As we enter our 12th awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year”.
Nominations are now open and voting closes on May 12 – so readers are encouraged not to miss out on their chance to get involved. They can vote Gosport Voluntary Action for a National Diversity Award by visiting https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2023/nominations/gosport-voluntary-action/
Alternatively they can request a nomination form by emailing: emma@nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
Pictured: GVA CEO, Kay Hallsworth (left) and Community Engagement Manager, Jacky Charman, with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth, at the Portsmouth Pride event, June 2022.
