We have been selected for a 2024 GSK IMPACT Award, funded by the global biopharma company GSK and managed in partnership with The King’s Fund, a charity working to improve health and care in England.

The judges said: “WMO offers a wide range of services and provides creative responses to the high levels of need in its community. It works tirelessly to combat health disadvantage and poor access to health services.

“The charity has developed a range of new services, including language interpretation, health checks and GP registrations. It also advocates on behalf of its service users and works in partnership with other organisations, such as to support people leaving hospital and prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.

“WMO has placed itself as the ‘go to’ charity for people from an ethnic minority background within Wirral.”

Our award entry was put through a rigorous process, including an in-person assessment that lasts at least half a day before being judged by a panel of experts in community health and health-related issues.

Chief Executive Officer Aline Macready said: “This is such an amazing boost for our team. They always go the extra mile and winning such a prestigious award is just the icing on the cake for all their hard work and dedication.

“People with ethnic minority backgrounds living here on the Wirral face significant health inequalities – greater than those from existing disadvantaged communities. Each week over 250 people come through our doors for language support, advocacy, a social activity, or to use our nursery facility.

“We remove barriers to primary and community healthcare. Last year, our health service delivered over 10,000 sessions. Our work is essential. We’re delighted that it’s been recognised nationally.”

The award includes a donation of £40,000, plus two places on a free training and development programme and an invitation to join the  GSK IMPACT Awards Development Network, designed to develop our organisation and leadership further.