The Bally's Interactive Award for

Diversity Champion of the Year

This award is open to any individual, organisation or not-for-profit that is proud to say that they are diverse and forward-thinking in terms of policy and strategy towards equality.

This award will be given to those who encourage uncomfortable conversations, who are constantly challenging the status quo and believe in a brighter future for all.

Diversity Champions are important to the Isle of Man because they are role models for inclusion. They are the people taking action to ensure inclusion and diversity objectives are achieved: they are making inclusion an everyday reality.

Judges will be looking for meaningful and measurable impacts of diversity practices and plans for the future. The following criteria will be used when considering nominations;

Acting as a role model in championing equality and diversity issues
Creating an inclusive culture by challenging inequalities, barriers and bias
Leading positive action to enable talented people from all backgrounds to realise their full potential
Plans for long term sustainable policies and strategies for inclusion
Evidence of the impact in support of quality in the wider Isle of Man community

This year's finalists

allergy village

There is no other business like Allergy Village on the island. The company was founded by Jules Sum, a frustrated Allergy parent who didn't have access to the resources or products needed when her daughter was born in 2014, and the family struggled with all aspects of allergy life. Allergy Village is an educational social Impact project turned small business which aims to provide education, support and retail products for people of all ages on the Island who suffer from dietary needs or food allergies. The aims of the business are to support the Isle of Man Allergy community through education and practical solutions. Allergy Village initiatives to date include; A free-from cookery collaboration with Elaine Taylor, stalls at Tynwald Mills, The Food Festival and Isle of Pride.

WINNER: Kensington Arts

Kensington Arts is a cross-discipline community arts centre which provides a regular provision to people of all ages. This fulfils the creative need of all people, regardless of age, gender, class, race or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive and welcoming safe space and are proud to be so. In July 2022 the National Theatre Connections drama programme saw great success. Connections champions the talent of young people across the UK, with ten new plays by contemporary playwrights exclusively commissioned for young people to stage and perform. This year Kensington Arts was selected to perform their show at the National Theatre in London. The group was selected from 228 youth theatre companies and 5,400 young people who take part across the country. Previous Connections participant, Joe Locke, has also received critical acclaim for his part as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. Kensington Arts hosted the island’s first Youth Pride in 2020 organised by members of the LGBT community and the Isle of Man Youth service, in partnership with Isle of Pride. “We are a place of Trust. Young queer people, in particular, see our venue as a place they can ‘find their tribe’ and seek solace in a centre where their trust will not be disrespected.”