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Inspirational campaigns on infertility treatment in Northern Ireland and rail transport in Wythenshawe are among the winners of the Sheila McKechnie awards
Nine of the UK's most inspirational campaigners have been honoured at an awards ceremony, in the first step towards seeing their work through to fruition and putting it on the national and international maps.
They are the winners of the SMK charity's 2011 awards, which aim to recognise the outstanding contributions being made by a brand new generation of campaigners towards achieving social, environmental and economic justice across the world.
Among this year's winners are Sharon Davidson, who has pledged to stamp out the "postcode lottery", which has reduced women's access to treatment for infertility on the NHS in Northern Ireland, and Mary Granville-White, who is currently co-ordinating a befriending service on behalf of older carers in Norfolk. Davidson told judges how she was angered by the insensitive treatment meted out to women seeking infertility treatment – who had to walk through a maternity ward to get to the clinic.
Eugene Ring has won the transport category, for his campaigning with others to open a rail halt at Baguley, Wythenshawe, on the existing mid-Cheshire railway line. He witnesses the "social isolation" of young people from their peers in more affluent areas caused by them being "off the track" or "bus-trapped."
SMK is the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting campaigners across a wide spectrum of issues. It was set up in 2005 to commemorate Dame Sheila McKechnie, a dedicated and effective campaigner, who spent much of her life championing change through organisations such as Shelter and Which?/The Consumers' Association. The ceremony was hosted by Channel 4 newscaster and SMK patron Jon Snow, and its award presenters included 105-year-old peace campaigner and former suffragette Hetty Bower.
The charity points out that there are hundreds of campaigners in local communities, public services, business and the not-for-profit sector – people with courage and vision, often unsung heroes, whose work benefits all of us. Yet the type of help they need to develop their campaigning potential is rarely available and the awards were set up to give them practical help through mentoring and support.
The awards – now in their sixth year – are for people at the early stages of campaigning, whether it be in a national pressure group or campaigning charity, as well as people who are campaigning on a voluntary basis and are relatively new to campaigning as an activity.
Linda Butcher, chief executive of SMK said: "During this time of socio-economic instability it is incredibly positive to see such a wide range of campaigners working tirelessly to tackle the wrongs, abuses, injustices and inequalities in society. These inspiring and tenacious individuals prove that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. We are proud to be providing support for our award winners' next steps and we look forward to working with them to make a more just and equal society."
Award winners
Consumer action Sharon Davidson, Improving access to NHS infertility treatment in Northern Ireland – Infertility Network UK
Environment Lauren King, Taking on Tarmageddon - People & Planet
International campaigner Caroline Lentupuru, No to girl's early marriage and female genital mutilation – Kenya
Local campaigner Mary Granville-White, Nothing About Us Without Us – Norfolk Older Peoples Forum, in partnership with Age UK Norfolk
London Social Justice Vicky Simister, The Anti-Street Harassment Campaign UK
Shout Out! Bianca Ilii, Chamodi Kodithuwakku, Chamudi Kodithuwakku, Ruchi Shah & Patrycja Zelezniak, Five Million 4 Ur Mobile – Hendon School, north London
Social and Economic Justice Emmanuel Fuh Neba, African Charter on Good Governance and Democratic Succession – British Aid for Africa Consortium
Take Action Kathleen Carter, Reforming the Rent to Own Market – Thrive Stockton
Transport Eugene Ring, Opening of Baguley Halt, Wythenshawe – Wythenshawe Railway Action Group
• Rebecca Smithers is The Guardian's consumer affairs correspondent and was a judge for the Consumer action category – sponsored by Which? – in the 2011 awards.
- Communities
- Voluntary sector
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Rebecca Smithers
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