London,
01
April
2021
|
15:02
Europe/London

Catherine Capaldi Awards - winners announced

On Tuesday 30 March, over 60 guests came together online for the announcement of the winners of the first-ever Catherine Capaldi Awards.

These awards were created to mark the memory and legacy of Catherine Capaldi, a Camden resident and long-time campaigner for the rights of disabled people. The awards intend to enable disabled people from across London to put forward their own ideas for breaking down the barriers that prevent their inclusion, participation or achievement.

Catherine was a trustee of local organisation Elfrida Rathbone Camden, and also sat on the Board of London Youth and supported the development of The Hive, which supports the emotional and mental health needs of young people in Camden. To create the awards, Elfrida Rathbone Camden worked with the Accessible Inclusion Team of the engineering and architectural firm Arup as well as Catherine’s friends and Camden Council.

Catherine Capaldi Awards 2021 - London Winner

The overall London winner was Unity Pie, a social enterprise looking to unite people with food, whilst creating training and job opportunities. Judges thought this was a great idea that promoted social interaction, friendship and teamwork.

Unity Pie member Mohammed said:

"Thank you for the award. I’m so delighted. Now we’ve got this award, we can spring this project more further. This is what we wanted always."

Camden Winner 2021

Because of Catherine’s links with Camden, a winner was also chosen to represent this borough – Our Group Your Group, which is a parent-led project that is looking to help social workers work with parents with learning disabilities in a more inclusive and empowering way.

Our Group Your Group member Jill said:

"I’m amazed we won something. We’ve never won something before. I’m lost for words. If the rest of the group were here, they’d be screaming for joy!"

The winners will receive £150 each to take their idea forward and will receive further support and advice from Arup, Elfrida Rathbone Camden and Camden Disability Action.

All the applications will get feedback, support to make links with other projects and will be shared online and with contacts who can help them grow.

Photos: Catherine Capaldi Awards 2021 – Overall London Winner, Unity Pie (left) and Camden Winner, Our Group Your Group.