Brighton youth project shortlisted for European ‘diversity oscar’

A Brighton youth project has been shortlisted for a European diversity award for its work.

Allsorts Youth Project has been shortlisted in the Charity of the Year category in the European Diversity Awards 2015.

The awards, widely acknowledged as the European “Diversity Oscars”, celebrate excellence in all aspects of diversity in the areas of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, culture and religion across Europe.

Project director Jess Wood said: “It is a tribute to the outstanding work of our staff, volunteers and trustees and the young people we work with that our tiny project should be nominated alongside national organisations like Age UK.

“This is a big step up from last year when we carried off the award for the best community organisation in the UK National Diversity Awards.”

The European Diversity Awards will be made on Wednesday 30 September.

The Brighton charity was founded in 1999 by Jess Wood and James Newton and operates with just three full-time staff and three part-time staff supported by a team of volunteers.

It provides a variety of services for LGBTU (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or unsure) young people, including weekly drop-ins, a mental health and well-being group and a Trans Kids group.

Its youth volunteering hub offers opportunities in campaigning, fundraising, educating and offering peer support.

It works in partnership with a wide range of third-sector organisations, public services and schools, colleges and universities and runs a parent support group.