Joy as charity scoops award for improving lives of disabled people
A pioneering charity and social enterprise has been recognised nationally for the way it supports disabled people into sustainable jobs, training or education.
Beating off competition from 145 organisations from all over the UK, the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) awarded Sandwell-based Ideal for All the title of Disability and Health Provider of the Year.
The award recognised the way the social enterprise has innovatively integrated therapeutic gardening interventions, wellbeing programmes and tailored employment support to improve the lives of disabled people.
Khatija Patel, chief executive of Ideal for All, said she was delighted with the award.
“We are thrilled to have won such a celebrated national award for our specialist support, delivered in partnership with disabled people," she said.
"I was particularly pleased that they highlighted the journey of people into work, as it is hard for people with disabilities and health conditions/mental health to be given a chance, particularly in these challenging times.
“We support positive health and mental wellbeing, independence and employment and skills development through taking a person-centred approach. As a user-led organisation, working together is our point of difference."
Ideal for All, which was formed in 1996, operates across the West Midlands, providing expert information, guidance and access to a range of independent living activities, direct payment services, employability programmes, health and wellbeing projects and peer support groups.
The social enterprise has tackled Covid-19 head-on, shifting support to responsive remote working, outreach and supporting people to access help through digital and online platforms.
