Pulp Friction CIO, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 National Diversity Awards, shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award: Disability category – sponsored by HSBC UK
This honour places Pulp Friction among 125 finalists selected from over 85,000 nominations, highlighting their tireless commitment to equality, inclusion, and community empowerment.
Founded to create opportunities for Learning Disabled and Autistic adults, Pulp Friction empowers its Members to develop vital life, social, and work-readiness skills through meaningful training and real-world work experience. By placing their Members at the heart of everything they do, the charity helps individuals shine as valued, visible, and skilled contributors to their local communities.
“We’re all really happy to be finalists,” says Jessie, Co-founder and Director of Pulp Friction. Jill, CEO and fellow Co-founder, adds: “This nomination means so much to us. Our Members are at the centre of everything we do, and to see their determination, resilience, and talent recognised at this level is truly heart-warming.”
The National Diversity Awards, now in their 14th year, bring a beacon of hope as they celebrate grassroots changemakers and organisations across the UK who are making real progress in driving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). At a time when discussions around inclusion are more important than ever, these awards serve as a timely and vital reminder of the power of inclusivity, and community-led action.
The winners will be announced at a star-studded ceremony on September 19, 2025, held at the magnificent Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The event will be hosted by Clare Balding CBE, the much-loved broadcaster and author, and a passionate advocate for inclusion.
“I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to return as host for the National Diversity Awards,” says Balding.
“Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital. These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised.”
Finalists in the Community Organisation: Disability category alongside Pulp Friction include ADD-vance, Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum, GROVE Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education, Little Rainbows Doncaster, RAWD CIO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, and West Yorkshire ADHD.
Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the National Diversity Awards said: “The unsung heroes shortlisted in the National Diversity Awards help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities.
“The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been. We are living in a time when funding and support are limited which makes community action an invaluable resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”
As Pulp Friction continues to champion the rights and aspirations of Learning Disabled and Autistic adults in Nottingham and beyond, this nomination serves as a powerful testament to their inclusive values and the lives they help transform every day.
