Skylarks Charity named finalist for two British Diversity Awards 2025
January 13, 2025
National charity, Skylarks, based in southwest London has been named a finalist in two categories for the prestigious British Diversity Awards 2025. The charity is shortlisted for Charity of the Year, sponsored by Legal and General and Diversity in Tech (Specific to Disability), sponsored by BT Group, in recognition of its exceptional support for children and young people with additional needs and their families.
The winners of the coveted awards will be revealed at a star-studded awards ceremony on Wednesday 19th March at Grosvenor House London, with co-hosts broadcaster and entrepreneur June Sarpong OBE alongside BAFTA award-winning presenter Dr Ranj Singh.
The evening celebrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by recognising and bringing together individuals and organisations who continually strive to make workplaces and society more inclusive for all. Now in its fourth year, the awards sees 21 categories to celebrate individuals, organisations and unsung heroes who help to make the world, and the workplace, a better place for others.
Founder of the British Diversity Awards Linda Riley, says “I am delighted that the British Diversity Awards, in only its fourth year, have now become the biggest Diversity awards in the UK, and this year we have received a record number of entries. Our event shows Diversity - let’s always spell it with a capital D - and is here to stay!”
Over the past 12 months, Skylarks has supported more than 5,900 young people and 4,700 famlies, delivering over 9,050 life-changing activity sessions. These include a diverse range of services, such as therapy, counselling, inclusive play sessions and educational programming.
In 2024, Skylarks expanded its tech accessibility efforts by partnering with JetLearn to offer free online coding courses for young people with additional needs. JetLearn (www.jetlearn.com), a leading platform in tech education, teaches coding, robotics, AI, app development and game design to children, delivering creativity and confidence for a tech-driven future. Through the Spread Young Wings (SYW) Programme, these tailored camps provided inclusive pathways into STEM industries, helping to earn Skylarks recognition in the Diversity in Tech category for its commitment to accessible digital skills.
Managing Director Aaron Guiver said, “Our volunteers, team, partners, and fundraisers work together to create and deliver life-changing opportunities for families and young people with additional needs. Being named a finalist in two categories at the British Diversity Awards reflects this dedication and we are very proud of this achievement and being recognised amongst the trailblazers of Diversity across Britain. It gives us an incredible boost as we head into a new year, knowing we’re doing something that really matters and we’re proud that our impact is being recognised in such a meaningful way.”
As an independent charity, Skylarks depends on the invaluable support of the community, volunteers, and businesses—both through funding and dedicated people power. With expansion plans to officially open its new Hounslow Centre soon this year, the charity continues to also grow its services nationally through programmes for young people with additional needs like Spread Your Wings (career coaching) and SEND educational advice services for parents.
This recognition also comes as families across the UK continue to face the ongoing challenges nationally in the SEND crisis. Skylarks has an important role in helping families navigate these difficulties by offering free practical support, specialist expert advice and simply being there when families need help.
“We know how overwhelming the SEND system can be for families, and we’re here to help them feel less alone and more empowered,” said Guiver. “We need to continue to grow to meet the demands and we strive to reach and help even more families and young people.”
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