Third Sector shines at South West Award Ceremony

Voluntary and community groups dominated the inaugural South West European Social Fund Awards for excellence in providing employment, skills and training services to socially excluded people.

At the Exeter ceremony last month, two thirds of the awards were picked up by nominees from across the third sector – highlighting the importance of the sector’s work in this area.

Shaz French (pictured, left) won the Convergence Personal Contribution Award for her work with South West Forum member Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C). Shaz overcame many personal challenges – as a lone parent with a lack of qualifications and a victim of domestic violence – when she started out on a CN4C ‘Working With People’ course, a course which helps people build skills to get into work. After the course she was encouraged to apply for a Trainee Advisor role with the organisation and now, following two promotions, she is a full-time Lead Adviser.