Last Updated: Jun 17

Category: GBN Projects

The GBN’s ABLE project in Wakefield has won the UK Public Health Association’s (UKPHA) inaugural Michael Varnam Health, Humanity and Environment Award.
The award has been developed to recognise the outstanding contribution to health, humanity and the environment made by a Trustee and exceptionally committed member of UKPHA – Dr Michael Varnam, who died in 2006.

The Award recognises an approach to health and the environment which is rooted in humanitarian principles. The aim of the award is to encourage and acknowledge projects and services that:
• Improve the environment for the well-being of future generations.
• Encourage self-help to improve good health and reduce poor health.
• Improve conditions for other humans by caring, encouraging, facilitating, affirming, involving, and respecting others.
• Improve the local and /or global environment by education, increased awareness, and motivation of individuals.

The nominations were judged by the Chair and CEO of the UKPHA, Professor David Hunter, Michael Varnam’s widow Helen Varnam and Helen Ross, Public Health Development Manager, Nottingham City PCT. The award was presented to a representative from ABLE at the UKPHA’s annual forum in Liverpool at the beginning of April.