Our Biggest Summit Yet
Last week marked one of the proudest moments in the history of Summits Up as we were honoured to receive the BBC Make a Difference Community Group Award for Nottinghamshire.
When we started Summits Up just over a year ago, we never imagined we'd be standing on a stage collecting an award. We simply wanted to create something that could help people struggling with their mental health and provide support when it was needed most.
Over the last 12 months, our community has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. We've funded urgent therapy for more than 80 people, built a supportive network through our monthly hikes and challenges, and raised thousands of pounds to help local people access professional support quickly.
To receive recognition for that work from the BBC was incredibly special.
An Emotional Evening
As the evening went on, the anticipation began to build.
Listening to the stories behind the other nominations was genuinely emotional. The room was full of inspirational people, volunteers, charities and community groups, all giving their time and energy to make a difference to the lives of others.
It was a powerful reminder of just how much good work happens across Nottinghamshire every single day.
With hundreds of charities, volunteers, organisations and individuals nominated, simply making it through to the finals felt like a huge achievement in itself.
By the time the winner was announced, we had already left feeling proud just to have been included among so many incredible people.
Then we heard our name.
This Award Belongs to Our Community
While Summits Up may have collected the trophy, this award belongs to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far.
It belongs to:
- Everyone who has joined a hike
- Every fundraiser who has taken on a challenge
- Every person who has donated
- Every business that has partnered with us
- Every volunteer who has given up their time
- Every supporter who has helped spread our message
Most importantly, it belongs to the people who have trusted us enough to reach out when they needed help.
More Than 80 Referrals
Behind every referral is a person.
A father.
A mother.
A son or daughter.
A partner.
A friend.
Someone who found themselves struggling and needed support.
Since launching, we have now helped more than 80 people access urgent therapy and counselling, within days rather than months.
That's what this award represents to us.
Not a trophy.
Not recognition.
But the real impact that a supportive community can have when people come together for a common cause.
Looking Ahead
While we're incredibly proud of what we've achieved so far, the reality is that demand for support continues to grow.
More people are reaching out.
More people are asking for help.
More people need support than ever before.
As we move forward, our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that when someone asks for help, they don't have to face a long wait and they don't have to face their struggles alone.
Thank you to every single person who has supported Summits Up over the last year.
This award is as much yours as it is ours.
And we're only just getting started. 💚
Simon, Gary & Emma
