Karen Haworth, Founder and Director at Brain Health Breakthrough CIC, won the SheInspires Women in Social Enterprise 2021 Award, against strong national competition. The category she won was for leading her social enterprise with clear vision, direction and creating more kindness in the world. She has successfully led a small team through the pandemic, providing much needed online peer support to those with brain injury experience, long covid symptoms and supporting unpaid carers.

“I was absolutely delighted to win,” explained Karen Haworth, “The competition was very strong this year and there were some incredible finalists. I’m very grateful for the nomination and it has meant so much to receive this award, especially as the delivery team and I are living with long-COVID ourselves.

“It is amazing to be recognised for the support we have given others whilst dealing with our own symptoms. We are passionate about carrying on our model of peer support and looking forward to developing awareness campaigns next year to highlight the hidden disabilities and illness experienced by people with long-COVID and brain injury. We have also been proud to support unpaid carers through the pandemic who deliver care without recognition.”

This is the seventh year that the SheInspires Awards have been held and the first time they have been international. Entries have come in from countries from across the globe. The awards’ event was held at the Bolton Whites Hotel and online, with BBC North-West presenter Annabel Tiffin hosting.

To learn more about the important work that Brain Health Breakthrough are doing then please do visit their website: https://brainhealthbreakthrough.co.uk/