High Peak charity wins ‘Charity Oscar’ for pioneering scheme

A High Peak charity that delivers services in Glossop, Gamesley and across the borough has won one of the country’s most prestigious charity awards.

Zink, which supports local people out of poverty and into work - as well as providing holistic support services including a foodbank, eco-café and health activities – was selected as a winner from 600 charities around the country in this year’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards, which are often dubbed the ‘Charity Oscars’. 

The award, presented by Akshata Murty, Rishi Sunak’s wife, at a star-studded ceremony in London on Monday, recognises Zink’s groundbreaking ‘micro-jobs’ scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people to gain confidence, skills and experience through small, paid roles within the charity. 

The UK charity sector is facing uncertainty, with recent research showing that two in five charities expect to cut jobs in the next year. But through its innovative and creative approach, Zink is expanding. 

And against a backdrop of rising unemployment, micro-jobs are needed more than ever, acting as a vital bridge between volunteering and sustained employment. 

Photo: Zink CEO Paul Bohan with Jo Coburn and Akshata Murty.

The charity has seen results that speak for themselves: “Three quarters of people on our micro-jobs scheme go on to find sustainable paid work,” said Zink CEO Paul Bohan. “That’s an incredible outcome compared to the 30% success rate of the national Restart programme. We’re proud to have created an approach that makes a real difference and supports people to turn their lives around.” 

The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think tank based in Westminster, founded in 2004 by former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Its aim is to tackle the root causes of poverty and social problems in the UK - such as family breakdown, addiction, educational failure, debt and worklessness - by developing evidence-based policies that influence government and empower communities. Every year the CSJ scours the country for the very best grassroots charities fighting these issues on the front line. 

Zink’s win highlights the important work being done in the region to build stronger futures for local people, as well as inspiring others to set up similar projects. 

The charity’s pioneering approach has been highlighted in Parliament, and the charity continues to develop new ideas to tackle poverty – including offering housing and wellbeing initiatives that support people towards stability and independence. 

From just 10 volunteers three years ago to over 130 today, Zink’s community has grown rapidly, showing the strength of local support and belief in its mission. 

“This award is a huge honour for our staff, volunteers and the community that supports us,” added Paul. “It recognises not just our achievements, but the collective effort of everyone who gives time, funding or encouragement to make Zink’s work possible.” 

Zink’s work is largely funded by a combination of charitable grants and generous donations from supporters and businesses across Derbyshire and the UK. The charity hopes this national recognition will inspire similar projects, raise awareness, and sustain its life-changing work. 

Zink is a Buxton-based charity serving communities across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, helping people move out of poverty and into work through a wide range of practical and supportive services. These include High Peak Foodbank, wellbeing and health activities, employment support through Zink Employability, the Zink HQ community hub, and an Eco-Café that provides low-cost meals while reducing food waste. 

Open to everyone, Zink offers a warm, inclusive space where people can seek support, join activities, or simply enjoy a drink or a meal. The full programme of events and services is available on the charity’s website. 

Zink’s work is delivered by a dedicated team of staff and 135 volunteers, and is funded by individual supporters, local donors, the National Lottery Community Fund, High Peak Borough Council and the UK Government. 

The charity is keen to build new partnerships with local businesses to help more people affected by poverty, unemployment, mental illness, homelessness, addiction, neurodivergence, isolation, disability and related challenges. Through collaboration, Zink aims to empower individuals towards greater stability, wellbeing and - where possible - sustained employment. 

Visit www.Zink.org.uk to find out more about their work and activities.