Veterans Charity wins Communications Award

The joint Company of Communicators’ and Glaziers’ Company 2023 Clarity in Charity Communications Award has been won by Forward Assist for its campaigns raising the profile of women veterans’ and their struggle against sexual harassment and bullying in the military. This has been focused through its recently launched charity Salute Her UK, giving women veterans access to mental health therapists to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

The judging panel, which included the Master Communicator and Master Glazier, acknowledged the strong communications employed by Forward Assist in gaining hard-hitting media coverage through innovative work and ultimately achieving its objectives by being recognised in Parliament and by government.

The two Masters presented the award to Tony Wright, founder and CEO of Forward Assist, at a ceremony at Glaziers Hall on 23 October. This was a stained glass roundel organised by the Glaziers and specially created each year by artist Emma Butler-Cole Aiken.

Master Communicator Mark Glover said: “It has been wonderful to see the spirit of charity flourish in these trying times and for the livery movement to play its full part in helping those very much in need. The nominations were all high quality, fittingly becoming of the traditions and customs of the City of London but also of the standards of professionalism within communications and public relations.”

Master Glazier David Stringer-Lamarre said: “The fact that such a worthwhile charity has won the Clarity in Charity Communications Award has more than fulfilled the original ambition of the Glaziers’ Company in being a joint sponsor. For us, associating the presentation of a stained glass roundel with celebrating the achievement of this charity underlines the continuing relevance of stained glass art as a communications medium.”

The runner-up was the Hand in Glove campaign run by the Glovers’ Company Charitable Projects Committee with Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation to develop the first Under 12 Soft Ball Cricket Hub at Lord’s indoor cricket centre for girls and boys.