Saturday 24th October 2026 | The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, M3 4LQ
The Caribbean & African Health Network will be honouring individuals and organisations for their contributions to the health and wellbeing of Black Caribbean and African communities across the United Kingdom. Nominations will be accepted for those who, through their personal or professional efforts, have made a difference to Black Caribbean and African people.
Nominations opened on 10th August and close on 7th September 2026.
Each shortlisted individual or group will be recognised in their nominated category at the GALA on 24th October 2026.
There will be 11 categories, with selection undertaken by an independent panel of judges using set criteria.
Each shortlisted individual or group will receive a 10% discount on their ticket or table.
Recognises individuals or organisations demonstrating outstanding leadership in advancing equity. This award celebrates those who champion fair access, challenge inequity, and drive meaningful change through advocacy, influence, or strategic action. It includes work that strengthens outcomes for communities experiencing disadvantage or disproportionality.
Honours an organisation that has implemented a significant equity-focused initiative resulting in measurable improvement in access, experience, or outcomes. This award recognises structural or system-level change, including redesigned pathways, new policies, or organisational transformation that addresses inequity.
Celebrates exceptional partnership working between voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations and public sector partners. This award recognises collaborative models that bring together diverse expertise to address inequity, reduce harm, or strengthen community outcomes.
Recognises a high-impact collaboration between academic institutions and community or public sector partners. This award celebrates research, evaluation, or co-produced learning that drives practical change, informs policy, or improves outcomes for underserved communities.
Honours an individual aged 16-25 who has shown exceptional leadership, creativity, or commitment to addressing inequity or strengthening community wellbeing. This award celebrates young people who inspire others and drive positive change.
Celebrates an organisation led by or working primarily with young people to improve outcomes, reduce harm, or address inequity. This award recognises youth-centred approaches that empower young people and amplify their voices.
Recognises leadership at a strategic or system level that empowers communities, influences policy, or drives large-scale change. This award celebrates individuals or organisations shaping long-term solutions to inequity through strategic vision and partnership.
Honours community-rooted initiatives delivering practical, frontline impact. This award celebrates organisations or leaders working directly with communities to reduce harm, strengthen resilience, and address inequity through lived-experience-driven approaches.
Celebrates initiatives that use culture, creativity, or arts-based approaches to improve wellbeing, strengthen identity, or address inequity. This award recognises programmes that harness cultural expression as a tool for healing, empowerment, or community connection.
Recognises a new or pioneering approach that strengthens equity, reduces harm, or improves outcomes for communities. This award celebrates initiatives that introduce fresh thinking – whether through new models of support, new ways of working with communities, or new methods for addressing long-standing inequities. Innovation must be the primary driver of impact, even where collaboration is involved.
Recognises outstanding volunteer commitment that strengthens equity, improves community wellbeing or reduces harm. This award honours individuals or volunteer-led groups whose time, energy and dedication have created meaningful impact across communities. It celebrates contributions that support public services, voluntary and community organisations, housing providers, health and care systems, criminal justice partners, environmental initiatives and private-sector community programmes. The focus is on volunteers whose actions have expanded access, supported vulnerable groups or helped address inequity through compassion and service.