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The GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards winners 2008

The overall winner in 2008 is Women’s Work who work in Derby to provide advice and support for vulnerable women involved in street sex work and substance misuse through both outreach work and a drop-in centre.                              

Women’s Work was founded in 2003 to reduce prostitution by identifying the needs and emotional issues of the women and supporting them to stop street sex work. A survey found that many had experienced homelessness, been sexually abused and assaulted, and had mental health problems, often arising from drug habits.

Female staff and trained volunteers go out in cars at night three times a week to build up a relationship and gain the confidence of the women, offering advice on how to keep themselves safe and invite them back to their centre.  At the centre showers, hot meals and laundry facilities are provided as well as Doctors’ appointments and, when the women are ready, counselling and drug therapy. 

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Other 2008 winners were:

Autism Northern Ireland provides support and information to families and those living with autism.  Based in Belfast, it runs parent training workshops, local support groups and accredited training for professionals. 

C-Level in Glasgow works with people affected by Hepatitis C to help improve their quality of life and correct misinformation and myths.  Principal activities include the provision of information, advice, complementary therapies, testing, outreach development and peer support services.

Crew 2000 in Edinburgh works to reduce drug related harm in young people across Scotland.  Main activities include the running of a drop-in centre where young people can pick up information on drugs and sexual health, and it also creates a ‘chill-out’ space for drug users at festivals, raves and clubs where staff and volunteers provide advice.

Fragile X in Essex is a national charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition.  It advances public education and promotes research into the syndrome, and also provides family support, a 24-hour helpline, and holds conferences and presentations.     

Genetic Interest Group based in London works to improve public understanding of genetic issues and provides services to those affected by genetic disorders.

Lymphoedema Support Network is a national charity based in South London. It provides information and support to people with lymphoedema through the provision of a telephone helpline, newsletters, fact sheets and self-help resources.  In addition, it works to raise awareness of the condition and campaigns for better national standards of care. 

Merseyside Diabetes Support Group in Liverpool provides a range of support to diabetes sufferers including a helpline, publications and monthly meetings. 

N-Compass, an advocacy service based in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, working with people suffering from learning disabilities and mental health problems.  It runs a number of carers’ support project, a social inclusion programme, and a project supporting young women who self-harm.          

Parc (Essex) based in Chelmsford provides support services to disabled children and their families. 

Further information about the work of this year's winning organisations can be found in the 2008 IMPACT Awards Brochure (PDF 1.6Mb).

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