DSC Social Change Awards winners announced

The DSC Social Change Awards for 2014 were presented in London last night.

The Influencer Award went to Zoe Clark-Coates, who started the ‘Saying Goodbye’ services for those who have lost a child at any stage of pregnancy. The award recognises individuals who have worked effectively to bring about positive change. The other nominees were Reverend Fred Osei Annin and Alex Feis-Bryce.

More than 120 people gathered at the Directory of Social Change to celebrate the awards, presented by DSC chief executive Debra Allcock Tyler and Charity Commission chief executive Paula Sussex.

Community Development Foundation won the Great Giving Funders award, while Leeds Community Foundation and the London Community Foundation were the other nominees.

Stella Griffin, who has helped develop the work of Spitalfields Crypt Trust for more than 20 years, won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Daphne Pullen and Ross Podyma were also shortlisted.

The Rising Star Award was presented to Emma Hinchcliffe for her work with SHINE Health Academy, where she is a director. Shams Udin and Seb Bowley were also nominated.

The Everyday Impact Award for enterprises running for more than five years was presented to Friends for Friends, which aims to fully integrate people with learning disabilities into the community through friendship by matching them with volunteers. Create and Honey Rose Foundation were nominated.

Growing Support won the Everyday Impact Award for enterprises running for less than five years. The charity tackles loneliness and the effects of inactivity by older people and those living with dementia in residential care.

The National Ugly Mugs Scheme and Get2gether were also nominated.