Vision – Redbridge Culture & Leisure has been nominated as one of the top finalists in the APSE Service Awards 2025 for ‘Best efficiency and transformation initiative’, ‘Best Health and Well-being initiative’ and ‘Best Service Team – Sports, Leisure and Cultural’.
APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) awards are UK-wide accolades recognizing the achievements of local authorities and their public-sector partners in delivering excellent frontline services and special initiatives.
Vision are a finalist for the ‘Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative’ for the successful partnership between their parks and open spaces and Ekota Academy (voluntary organisation) to activate and transform a disused changing pavilion and under – utilised sports pitches at Goodmayes Park into a community hub for people to play sport, engage in physical and wellbeing activities, to foster new relationships, to be educated, to build essential skills for life and most importantly build a stronger, healthier, and a more connected community.
A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of this partnership and Vision’s work with the England Cricket Board has bought in close to £1m into cricket facilities in the borough. From an Ekota perspective, they were awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local community group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.”
Vision is also a finalist for ‘Best Health and Wellbeing initiative’ for its pioneering death positive work led by its library service. This ambitious programme of work uses the library as a trusted community space to remove the fear and awkwardness people feel when talking about death and grief – topics that are often perceived as taboo within our society. Since the project’s inception, the library service has engaged over 15,000 residents of all ages in a creative programme that has been curated in collaboration with Redbridge’s diverse community and in partnership with artists, academic, health and end of life specialists. The programme includes grief café’s, exhibitions, workshops with end of life specialists and an annual Festival of the Dead. This innovative approach has helped remove barriers when having these important, yet difficult conversations and in turn, having a transformative impact on people’s emotional health & wellbeing.
Finally, their Health & Wellbeing Team are a finalist for ‘Best Service Team – Sport, Leisure and Cultural’. The Active Body Healthy Mind project offers free workshops and sessions to adults in Redbridge, promoting health and wellbeing through physical activity. Designed to support both mental and physical health, the project includes engaging, inclusive activities aimed at improving overall lifestyle. Participants can access a variety of sessions that encourage movement, connection, and self-care. By combining fitness with wellness education, Active Body Healthy Mind empowers the local community to lead healthier, more balanced lives
The APSE Awards Ceremony is on Thursday 11 September 2025 in Glasgow.
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