Inspiring community-changers to be awarded in parliament

This year’s Inspire Awards is set to showcase some of the best-kept secrets in the community since the awards started in 2008. The awards scheme searches for and recognises unsung Christian heroes.

Finalists in this year’s awards include a former homeless husband and wife couple who have now set up an outreach centre for homeless people in Blackpool, Lancashire which is helping thousands in need; an award-winning financial advisor using her skills to help heavily indebted people in Gillingham, Dorset, some of whom are at their wits end; and a project that helps teenage girls who are struggling with problems of self-identity and which is now in big demand by schools across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

There are nine finalists in three categories. The winners will be announced at the Palace of Westminster on 28 November 2013 by Shadow Employment Minister Stephen Timms MP, Evangelical Alliance director Steve Clifford and Inspire magazine editor Russ Bravo.

"Christians passionate to make life better for all are often the heartbeat of thriving local communities in Britain. We're delighted to be able to shine a light on some of the inspirational people whose love, imagination and service are changing lives week by week across the country. They are the good news stories that really make a difference," said Russ Bravo.

“Up and down the country, Christians are working imaginatively for the good of their communities. I’m delighted to be able to join in commending the work of these inspiring individuals and projects.  They are demonstrating by their actions what it means truly to love their neighbours. Each of the Inspire Awards nominees is an example to us all,” said Stephen Timms.

Dave Landrum, director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, said: “These projects deserve the highest recognition. They are all driven by people who are committed to seeing faith in the community working. At a time when needs are growing and funding of services is being squeezed it's encouraging to see evangelical Christians standing in the gap and demonstrating the love of God. This has been our historic role, and it's great to be able celebrate these projects today.”

The Inspire Awards have been running since 2008 and are run in partnership by Inspire magazine, CPO and the Evangelical Alliance, assisted this year by YFC (Youth for Christ).

Details on each finalist can be found at: www.eauk.org/media-content/inspireawards/