People and Animals UK C.I.C in Wisbech given judges’ prestige award
It was an unexpected win for a Wisbech charity that was given the Judges’ Prestige Award for achieving overall greatness.
No finalists were revealed for this category at the Fenland Citizen Business Awards on Friday – so it came as a complete surprise for the team at People and Animals UK C.I.C to win the final award of the night.
People and Animals UK C.I.C promotes animal-assisted therapies to improve the lives of both humans and animals.
It offers a number of education services for both children and adults as well as training courses.
The charity completes its work through a number of animal-assisted activities and other farm-based activities such as having a community garden.
The team from People and Animals formed a conga line as they danced up the stage to collect their award.
Director of operations Katie Bristow said: “It is just amazing to be here and be a finalist and thank you for all the support we have had from Clarion Futures and Wisbech Town Council and other partners we work with.
“You are all amazing as are all the businesses and partnerships that support us. I do have to say I will forever be indebted to the staff and volunteers we have, they’re the ones that make the magic happen.
“We came last year just to be part of it so its amazing to come with the team and be finalists but I didn’t envisage this at all. I’m a bit speechless really.
“But its amazing because we can share this with the community who have really made this happen and we’ll have some celebrations next week.”
The category was judged by lead sponsor Whitings LLP, with Mike Blackledge announcing the winner.
Mike said: “Their mission is to enable all individuals to live healthy, independent lives, enhancing physical, emotional, and social well-being to improve people’s life chances and offer opportunities for the wider community to reconnect and become more resilient.
“They have seen steady growth over the last 5 years and are now well-established in the community. Through commissioned and grant funded programmes, they engage and empower children, young people, and adults alike through schools, community centres, libraries, hospitals, and children’s homes.
“The longer-term plans they have in place will see their organisation flourish further and provide opportunities for the communities of Fenland for years to come. This, along with the creative and innovative solutions they evidenced is one of the reasons the judging panel chose them as their winners this year.”
