We’re pleased to share that Zink has been named a winner of the 2025 Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards – also known as the Charity Oscars.
The ceremony in London on 17 November brought together 400 guests from across the charity and social justice sectors. Akshata Murty (businesswoman and wife of Rishi Sunak) presented us with the award and the evening was hosted by BBC presenter Jo Coburn in the presence of celebrities and guests including Rachel Riley, Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Georgia Toffolo, Lisa Nandy and Gareth Southgate.
Each year the CSJ awards recognise innovative, grass-roots organisations working on the front line to address the causes of poverty and social exclusion. Being selected as a winner from hundreds of organisations across the UK is a significant moment for our team and community.
Helping people find their own way forward
At Zink, we work with people affected by poverty, unemployment, mental ill-health, homelessness and other challenges to build more stable and independent lives. Our support ranges from work coaching and advice to wellbeing activities, social groups, and our eco-café – all designed to give people space, confidence and practical opportunities to move forward at their own pace.
Our microjobs programme, developed here in Buxton, continues to be one of our most effective approaches. These small paid roles provide structure, recent experience and a sense of progress for people who may have been out of work for a long time. For many, a microjob becomes a stepping stone into part-time or full-time employment: around 75% move into mainstream work within six months.
A community working together
Zink’s work is only possible because of the support around us. Over the past decade, what began as a foodbank has grown into a broad community hub, supported today by more than 130 volunteers, local partners, donors and funders. Together, we run a wide range of activities, employability support and supported housing options for people rebuilding their lives.
This award reflects the collective effort behind Zink – the volunteers who give their time, the partners who work alongside us, and the people who walk through our doors and choose to take the next step in their journey.
We hope this national recognition will creates new opportunities for learning, connection and collaboration.
If you’d like to find out more about Zink, our work, or how you can get involved, please visit our About Us or Get Involved pages. You can also follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn for updates and more photos and stories from the awards.
