An awards ceremony celebrated two decades of making Cornwall more inclusive.

Inclusion Cornwall held the event at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth on September 27.

It acknowledged the winners' efforts in promoting inclusion and presented them with certificates and trees, which will be planted as part of the Forest for Cornwall initiative.

Dave Meneer, formerly associated with Eden and Fifteen Cornwall, hosted the event, while councillor Mike Thomas, the honorary chair of Inclusion Cornwall, highlighted the importance of recognition in the community.

A total of 12 awards were given to various community organisations: Cornwall Rural Community Charity, Lizard Pathways, Autistic Navigators, Deaf/Club, Cornwall Pride, Trelya, The Wave Project, Hospital Homeless Discharge, Menopause Self Care, Transformation Camborne, Pool and Redruth, and Wadebridge Food Bank.

Attendees voted for Trelya to receive the 'Winner of Winners' award.

Ben Bowden performed the 20 Year Celebration Song (Image: Inclusion Cornwall) The festivities began with a new celebration song performed by local musician Ben Bowden, encapsulating the event's spirit and future aspirations.

Keynote speaker Carolyn Webster, CEO of CLEAR Emotional Trauma & Therapy Specialists, commended Inclusion Cornwall's two decades of service and encouraged a collaborative approach towards addressing future challenges.

Established in 2004, Inclusion Cornwall operates without membership requirements, making every resident a member.

Over the years, it has worked with 2,000 residents and a network of more than 900 organisations annually, maintained self-funding, and secured various recognitions and partnerships.

The event was very much well attended (Image: Inclusion Cornwall) Some notable achievements include attaining beacon status for child poverty work in 2007, supporting Jobcentre Plus in managing its Flexible Support Fund, and being a key partner with the European Social Fund Convergence until 2013.

Inclusion Cornwall also played a crucial role in the Village Works Project between 2019 and 2022, a collaborative initiative involving businesses, residents, and partners.

Notably, it has been a key partner in Winter Wellbeing since 2010, helping to bring £50 million into Cornwall.