Zink has had a successful year in many ways. That might sound surprising for a charity working with families and individuals experiencing hardship, mental illness, isolation, homelessness and similar vulnerabilities, but it’s thanks to community involvement and clients’ determination to make a better life for themselves. Zink has become a hub of pragmatic, energetic positivity, providing opportunity and support.
Almost 100 long-term unemployed people found jobs and nearly 80 gained qualifications with help from Zink’s work coaches.
Zink’s Recovery Space launched in April, welcoming people with substance misuse issues to meet with Lived Experience Recovery Workers. Over 130 individuals have been supported so far, with shared celebrations as many have become substance free and moved into work or volunteering.
Our Neurohub – which supports families of neurodivergent children and young people with advice, training and information – supported its 400th client since starting in 2023.
A new cook is producing excellent meals in Buxton Community Eco-Café at Zink HQ. The café transforms surplus food into a changing menu of traditional favourites and international cuisine. It’s open to all, with meals from £1.25.
In May, a team of people in recovery from Zink attended the Dragon Boat Race at Salford Quays, beating Manchester City FC’s team. It was an uplifting event that boosted confidence, helping the team realise what they’re capable of, resulting in almost all now being in work after years of unemployment.
Our Zink & Swim group – including some non-swimmers – challenged themselves to swim the length of the English Channel in September. Everyone exceeded their personal target, with the group notching up an extra 880 lengths!
In November Zink won a national ‘Charity Oscar’ award from The Centre for Social Justice, presented by Akshata Murty (wife of Rishi Sunak) at a ceremony in London. Hosted by BBC presenter Jo Coburn, celebrities such as Gareth Southgate and Rachel Riley attended, as well as MPs including Iain Duncan Smith and Lisa Nandy.
The award acknowledges the power of community in Buxton, recognising the support Zink receives in the form of donations, items, time and enthusiasm.
Over 1800 people used High Peak Foodbank this year and 40,000 meals were issued. In 2026, High Peak Foodbank at Zink is developing a mobile food pantry to help reduce poverty, serving deprived and remote areas of the High Peak.
