Spark Inside’s Black Hero’s Journey coaching programme has won the Community Organisation: Race, Faith or Religion Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK!
It’s a huge achievement as from over 85,000 nominees, 126 finalists in 15 categories, Spark Inside was named in recognition of its dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Spark Inside’s Black Hero’s Journey (BHJ) is a ground-breaking coaching programme co-designed with young Black and Mixed Heritage men in prison that addresses critical gaps in their support. BHJ provides four in-prison workshops followed by one-to-one life coaching through custody and post-release, led by Black coaches. The programme fosters Black joy, community and belonging, empowering participants to challenge stereotypes, reclaim identity and build resilience. Spark Inside has transformed over 2,000 lives across 10 prisons with innovative life coaching, also working to shift prison culture and advocate for racial equity.
BHJ’s unique, culturally sensitive approach has earned prestigious recognition, including Zurich’s 2024 Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Award and government funding to expand. Participants consistently report increased hope, self-worth and practical skills to overcome barriers, making BHJ a vital and pioneering intervention within the UK criminal justice system.
Now in their 14th year, the annual National Diversity Awards bring a beacon of hope as they highlight the great work being done by individuals and organisations committed to diversity.
Winners were announced on September 19, 2025 at the prestigious National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, hosted by broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE a renowned champion of diversity, inclusion and equity.
This recognition honours a collective achievement — every Coach, team member, partner, and supporter who has shared in our vision. It is your commitment, passion, and dedication that have brought us here.
Above all, it stands as a tribute to the remarkable young men who, from the very start, have shaped this programme. Their journeys of identity, affirmation, resilience, and transformation have defined the Black Hero’s Journey. Their courage to step forward, share openly, grow, and contribute to building something meaningful is the very reason Spark Inside exists.
The finalists alongside Spark Inside – The Black Hero’s Journey in the Community Organisation: Race, Faith or Religion category were: Academy Achievers, Europia, Keshet UK, Nubian Jak Community Trust, The Amos Bursary, Wai Yin Society and The Mango Ensemble.
With thanks to HSBC UK, the headline sponsor of the National Diversity Awards, alongside Airbus, Amazon, Autotrader UK, BT Group, Lush, Kantar and OVO.
