The UK’s only digital television channel devoted to communities will broadcast The National Diversity Awards courtesy of Sky and will give you a chance to see Able's very own Tom Jamison in action as he presents the award for Disability Community Organisation.
A collection of some of the nation’s most inspirational and selfless people gathered to celebrate the country’s rich tapestry at the UK’s Largest Diversity Awards on September 20th 2013. The ceremony will be broadcast on the Community Channel, the only TV station dedicated to highlighting issues from charities, community groups and voluntary organisations on 8th November.
The digital platform will showcase the vast array of role models and community heroes that were honoured at the glittering ceremony for their commitment to equality and diversity.
Reality TV-star turned presenter, Brian Dowling returned to host the show having done so last year stating ‘It is a pleasure to be associated with such an inspirational awards ceremony’
‘What a phenomenal night!’ he continued ‘To witness the outstanding work of all the nominees and award winners was extraordinary. The atmosphere was incredible and I can't wait for next year!'
Joining Dowling was BBC children’s presenter Cerrie Burnell, who was born with one arm and was subject to a vicious campaign at the start of her career that claimed she was scaring children’s. Embracing her disability and promoting diversity has seen Cerrie become the much loved and well respected presenter she is today.
‘Hosting the National Diversity Awards was both brilliant and humbling in equal measure’ Cerrie stated. ‘It was a night of insightful and inspiring stories, brought to light through the focus of the awards’
‘The sense of achievement and tenacity was truly admirable. There is still so much to change and so much to fight for but the national diversity awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the courageous actions of individuals, companies and organisations, who are already striving for inclusion. An amazing event and so much fun!’
The show will air stellar performances from X factor singing sensation Misha B, a jazz saxophonist, a Caribbean steel band, Songo Drumming Project and Nachda Sansaar Bhangra Band.
Football legend Sol Campbell, Transsexual Beauty Queen Jackie Green and Paralympic Champion Peter Norfolk OBE were amongst special guests who presented awards on the night.
‘The evening was a huge success’ commented Peter. ‘With the work of many wonderful people acknowledged and celebrated. I look forward to the National Diversity Awards going from strength to strength’.
‘My Transsexual Summer’ star Drew-Ashlyn Cunningham also spoke of her delight to be involved with the awards, ‘They were by far amazing, It was definitely a night worth celebrating and it made me very proud to be a patron, they have outshined themselves!’
Grace Cardozo, winner of the positive role model award for LGBT expressed her joy in receiving her award, ‘The energy and feeling in the room was so unique, and knowing you were with such like-minded people was such a humbling, yet unifying experience’
‘It was just such an honour to be part of and I will remember it for the rest of my life’.
Speaking about accepting the entrepreneur of excellence award for race, faith & religion, Jessica Huie said: ‘I was really emotional… my 14-year-old daughter was with me, she was seven when I first launched colourblind cards’
I think it was important for her to be able to revel in the moment as much as I was and it’s such a huge lesson for her that hard work and commitment to your dream does pay off. It was wonderful and also the nature of the award. I have won a few awards, but to win an award that’s about celebrating diversity, that is key’.
The ceremony has attracted a growing list of top employers including Microsoft, Sky, Transport for London, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), MI5, The Co-operative Group, The Open University and the Financial Ombudsman Service amongst others.
Paul Sesay, founder of the National Diversity Awards said, ‘This welcome step onto TV screens will enable us to connect with hard to reach audiences, and provide a platform for people to engage with our cause’
The National Diversity Awards will be aired on 08th November on the Community Channel which features on sky 539, Virgin Media 233 and freeview 87. For updated news please visit: http://www.communitychannel.
