Centre for Social Justice Award

The Trust won the top award from the Centre for Social Justice in their 2006 awards in the category of tackling poverty. The awards were held in London at the Central Hall, Westminster in front of 350 invited guests, many of them senior politicians and celebrities.

The Centre for Social Justice awards recognise, celebrate and reward organisations making exceptional contributions in tackling social need and fighting poverty. It was established in 2004 under the chairmanship of Iain Duncan Smith MP, the then leader of the Conservative Party although the CSJ actively engages people from other parties who share the same values.

Barrie Thomas, the Trust Director said 'this is a very prestigious award for the Trust to win as it recognises the work of the staff in reaching out into our community in a way that has lasting value, such is the power of the gospel'. As a keen fan of Rugby Union, it was especially appropriate that the award was presented to Barrie by the former Irish Rugby and British and Irish Lions Rugby captain, Keith Wood, who gave a very positive word on the work of the Trust, its values and the need for these values to be emulated throughout society.

In his speech, Keith Wood said the following:
'The Living Well Trust is an example of how a simple plan allied with honest endeavour can be enormously effective. They promote the principles and morality that in many ways were the foundations of our society. It is the reinforcing of respect, friendliness, neighbourliness and a standard of right and wrong that reminds us that certain elements have drifted in or society, and yet, irrespective of an individual's beliefs or creeds these components are integral to family and neighbourhoodÉ

Rather than complain about a lack of services that is often the norm in the present blame-culture, the Living Well Trust has taken it upon themselves to do something about it …they ultimately provide what we all look for… a community.'

Keith Wood is pictured presenting the award to Thomas and also to Lesley Harrison, one of the residents of the community who was invited to attend the awards ceremony.

You can view the video of the work of the Trust shown on the CSJ Awards night

BURA Award

Every year the British Urban Regeneration Association seek out examples of best practice in the UK relating to community regeneration. In 2005, the Trust was selected as one of the runners up in the category of Charitable Organisation of the year, and in January 2006 the Director, Revd Barrie Thomas and four other founder members of staff received their award at a presentation in the House of Lords in London.

The Trust is based, and works primarily, in the Raffles Estate and the judges were impressed by the statements of those who use the Trust's facilities who commented on the changes in the Estate since the work of the Trust began and upon the sense of purpose that many now had in their lives.

Barrie Thomas said 'it is very gratifying to hear of comments such as these from the local people, much is down to them also as we have only facilitated changes, they have made them'. Barrie said that 'as a faith based group, the Trust offers a holistic ministry and has had a powerful impact upon the lives of a community and transforms lives. The British Urban Regeneration Association have recognised that the creation of a sustainable community also includes working with an individual's spiritual needs'.