THE search has begun to honour those who proudly champion diversity and inclusion for all across Sefton at the 2025 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. 

The Diversity and Inclusion Award, once again sponsored by Sefton Council, is looking for your nominations from Bootle, Southport, Crosby, Formby, Maghull, Aintree, and across the Borough. 

Nominating is easy - please submit via this website or email your nominations to:- standupforsouthport@gmail.com  

The winners and finalists will be honoured at the Grand on Lord Street in Southport on:- Friday, 24 April 2026. 

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:- “Diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of everything Sefton Council stands for and everything we do. We are committed to ensuring Sefton is a Borough where everyone feels safe, respected, and proud to belong. By sponsoring and supporting this award, we hope to shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by individuals and groups across the borough. Recognising this work and their efforts will hopefully inspire others to join us in our work to promote inclusion and unity.”

Last year’s Diversity and Inclusion Award winner was Nina Karetska. 

Nina is a leading member of the Ukrainian Community currently living in Sefton. 

She has staged some beautiful, powerful and moving events and exhibitions, celebrating Ukrainian culture and the plight of Ukrainians, at venues across Sefton. 

A talented photographer, her work is incredible, poignant, moving and unique, and she has worked hard to bring the Ukrainian community together.  

This February, she is once again leading the organisation of the annual Ukrainian Day celebrations at The Atkinson in Southport. 

A Finalist was Shaykh Ibrahim Hussein, the Imam at Southport Mosque.

He demonstrated huge courage during and following the appalling attack on the Mosque on:- 30 July 2024 in the riot which followed the Southport tragedy. 

He subsequently led a Walk Of Unity with faith leaders from across Southport, with Imams, Vicars, Rabbis and Priests meeting at the Mosque then walking and talking together towards Southport Synagogue. 

He has spoken with conviction, compassion and kindness and has become a figure for unity and togetherness.

His message - we are all 1 humanity and Southport is 1 strong community. 

The 2nd Finalist was The Matthew Lock ADHD Charity. Christine and Richard have set this charity up in memory of their son Matthew. 

By raising awareness and supporting so many people going through this journey is an invaluable source of support, making a difference to people’s lives, despite navigating their own grief. 

The charity set up in Matthew’s name is pushing to make changes for the diagnosis process, raising awareness and removing stigmatism relating to neurodiversity.

The Grand Pride of Sefton Awards, sponsored by The Grand Southport and organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport, is an unmissable fixture in the Liverpool City Region events calendar, in association with In Demand Radio.

The ceremony will be presented by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo.  

All those on the shortlist will be invited to a special celebratory meal in the beautiful surroundings of The Princess Grace Suite at The Grand in Southport on:- Friday, 24 April 2026 while the awards are presented, with a stunning night of entertainment planned. 

Nominations are still being invited across all 13 categories. 

For more details, please visit this website.