On the evening of January 27th 2010, Vital Regeneration hosted its 2009 Awards Ceremony at The Cockpit Theatre, Westminster.  The event celebrated the work of over 1,500 residents and volunteers.  Awards were given to those whose attitude or achievements in the past year have been outstanding. 

As well as celebrating the many achievements of people who participate in Vital Regeneration’s projects and services, the event also acknowledged the communities and partners who work with the charity in delivering their mission.
 
It is a very exciting event in the charity’s annual calendar, which gives trustees, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries a very real opportunity to showcase the dynamic and vibrant work that happens in the life of the charity every day. 
 
More than 100 residents from 8 to 80 years of age, and from diverse backgrounds, came together and celebrated their experiences in helping to make their communities a better place to live, learn and work.
 
Angela McConville, Vital Regeneration’s Chief Executive opened the event – setting out the successes, challenges and unexpected rewards the charity had faced in 2009 in light of the economic recession.  She highlighted how the charity had invested in key skills and employability programmes, providing extra help and support to residents who found themselves unemployed, marginalised in the labour market, facing housing issues or needing to up skill as a result of the recession.  Angela also highlighted the surge in support from volunteers and businesses who have responded to the drive to become more socially responsible. 
 
The event showcased photography from across the charity’s portfolio.  A number of young participants from the charity’s Studio+ programme performed tracks they had produced whilst on the programme.  There was also a screening of Transitions - a film made by young participants on the FreqOUT! project - which looked at challenges faced by young people at key points of transition in their lives.
 
Re-Evolve, the charity’s peer to peer careers service, by young people, for young people, also celebrated its 250th youth volunteer on the evening.
 
The event also saw BNP Paribas receive the ‘2009 Corporate Partner of the Year’ award for their generous commitment to the work of the charity in 2009.
 
A range of business sponsors gave support to the charity to make the event happen on the night.  These included Residential Management Group, City of Westminster College, Crown Promotions, Indigo Services and Westminster Kingsway College.  The charity was also delighted to have the charismatic Oli Barrett, serial entrepreneur, entrepreneurship ambassador and government adviser, act as comper for the event.