Blackburn charity honoured with prestigious children's award

IMO was recognised for their ‘imaginative and inclusive practice with children and young people’ by Investing in Children (IiC).

Organisations applying for the award have to demonstrate dialogue with young people which leads to change.  

However, children and young people have to provide the evidence for the organisation and endorse the membership report because it is a children’s and young people’s award.

IMO began in 2006 hosting football tournaments and youth clubs. 

Chris Affleck, from the IiC, said: “This is the first time IMO Charity have applied for the Investing in Children Membership Award so it was a real pleasure to travel to Blackburn to find out about the amazing work the organisation does and the range of young person led projects which they are involved in.”

The membership report says: “The young people spoke very positively about the support they receive from the staff and how the organisation really does what the name says, it Inspires and Motivates young people to Overcome challenges they may face within their community. 

“They’re really good and helpful, they talk to you, I really like the staff, they try to get you to do new stuff and if we don’t like an activity they try to change it so you like it.”

There are currently more than 500 IiC members across the UK.

Chief executive at IMO Charity, Mohammed Sidat, said: “I am delighted to hear how well IMO Charity are doing in involving the young people in decision making, giving them the opportunities to express their views and giving them a voice in society.

“I value the feedback and will look at what needs to be put into action to improve the young people’s experience across all our programmes.

“I would like to congratulate all my staff and volunteers who work tirelessly in helping the young people of Blackburn with Darwen. Keep up the great work you all are doing for the future generations."

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Children’s Services and Education, Joanne Siddle, added: “Many congratulations to IMO on their Investing in Children Membership Award. 

"The award recognises the importance of their work with children and young people.

"It’s also inspiring that young people themselves speak positively about the support they receive from the organisation."

Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, Councillor Julie Gunn, added: “I want to offer my sincere congratulations to IMO for being awarded the Investing in Children Membership Award. It's a great honour and very much deserved."