Awards

'It's incredible!' says Dorset charity shortlisted for prestigious Zero Project Award

By Sam Pither [email protected]

Published: August 21, 2024 | Updated: 21st August 2024

Dorset-based charity SAMEE, which supports disabled individuals in starting their own businesses, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Zero Project Award 2025.

The charity was selected from 522 nominations across 90 countries and is one of only five UK entries to make the shortlist.

The Zero Project Award, which focuses on Innovative Solutions in Inclusive Employment and Information and Communication Technology, has recognised SAMEE for its Supported Self Employment Internship.

This unique programme helps disabled people develop the skills needed to run their own businesses, combining business training with work placements and year-long mentoring support.

Sam Everard (pictured right), CEO and founder of SAMEE, expressed her excitement about the nomination: “We already have seven people on the internship, many with complex neurodivergent challenges. The work rotations are with relevant employers, so they can build on their self-employment skills linked to their career aspirations.”

She added: “I cannot believe that a small charity like ours has reached the global shortlist.

“It’s incredible! But most important to me is that our project is now recognised as being aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).”

The Zero Project Awards team acknowledged SAMEE’s achievement, stating: “By addressing the needs and rights of persons with disabilities, you are contributing to the global effort to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society – a world with zero barriers.”

In the coming weeks, experts will vote on all shortlisted nominations to determine the winners of the Zero Project Award 2025.

The awardees will be announced on December 3, 2024, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with all shortlisted innovators invited to attend the Zero Project Conference 2025 at the United Nations Offices in Vienna, Austria.

Latest Posts

Rejuvenate IT, RockReef & Bournemouth One all triumph at the Bournemouth Business Awards

Every dog has its day! Baboo Gelato’s popular ice cream for pooches scoops award for Best Pet Treat

Winners crowned across 18 categories as DMB Tourism Awards 2024 celebrate best in the biz

‘The night just kept getting better!’ Dacombes of Wimborne scoops three awards for green efforts

Dan is named as a rising star at civil engineering contractors' South West Young Achiever Awards

All Awards Stories »

Latest Posts

Health Sciences University to provide check-ups and facilitate trials for dementia at new clinic

From post-event kickabouts to a rising app, four footie fans are helping amateur players connect

Organisers hail ‘sheer variety and quality’ of winners at 12th annual Dorset Tourism Awards

Bournemouth Beach is the place to be for half term as Oceanarium & RockReef host joint promotion

Innovative healthcare & wearable tech catch investors’ eyes at Dorset Business Angels event

All Latest News »