Local team win TWO prestigious national charity awards

Helen Tomblin and Jamie Bloomfield, who are part of the team that have delivered Make, Move & Munch Clubs across Sandwell since 2016 have been recognised for their work working alongside the National Charity Partnership, a partnership between Tesco, Diabetes UK and British Heart Foundation. The Make, Move & Much Clubs are a programme where mums are supported and motivated to improve their health through physical activity and healthy eating.

Helen was honoured with the Working in Partnership award and Jamie received the Most Improved Use of PR at the third annual National Charity Partnership Awards - a black tie event at the Riverside Park Plaza hotel in central London on Thursday 25 January 2018.

Helen who works for Accord Group has transformed the way Make, Move & Munch Clubs are delivered in Sandwell to ensure a lasting legacy. She commissioned five different local providers, trained them and has since led the team to outstanding results. In 2017, 170 clubs were delivered with 700 people taking part.

Jamie who works for Groundwork West Midlands (one of the five providers who deliver the Clubs) embraced a new approach to increase the profile of the Clubs which were funded by the National Charity Partnership. He coordinated a successful taster event with several local partners and secured TV coverage in the West Midlands. Furthermore, he rose to the challenge of his first media interview hitting all the key messages with confidence.

Mr Bloomfield said “I’m very proud to win this award. I felt it was important to provide an opportunity for the delivery partners and funders to work together on an event that would really demonstrate to the public what fantastic work everyone was doing on MMM. It was an extremely successful programme that made a huge difference to many people’s lives and made a lasting impression on the public’s health going forward.”

Ms Tomblin said “I am delighted to have won the award for ‘Partnership Working’ but credit must also go to those I have working in partnership with; our programme delivery partners Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Complete Kidz, Ideal for All, Groundwork, and My Time Active. We have also continued to develop strong relationships with Sandwell Public Health enabling us to build on the legacy of the National Charity Partnership and secure more programmes with the Sandwell Learning Communities in 2018. On Friday, Accord are very excited to be holding a dissemination event with Public Health England which will bring together all the learning, as we continue to explore how we develop this work further across the West Midlands.”

Jenna Hall, Director of National Charity Partnership said “I’m delighted that Helen and Jamie have been recognised for all the hard work they have contributed to making a success of the partnership. This dedication, enthusiasm and creativity has seen not only local families engaged but also the wider public and I’m excited to hear their contribution to changing health behaviours in Sandwell will continue in 2018.”