Popular Northampton cafe shortlisted for national diversity award

A popular cafe in Northampton has been named on the shortlist for a national diversity award.

Cafe Track, in Market Square, is in the running to win the Community Award for Disability at the National Diversity Awards 2020.

The awards honour charities, campaigners and activists who work to combat injustice and discrimination in different ways, which Cafe Track does by helping people with autism to find employment.

Tom Cliffe, director and founder of Track NN, which includes Cafe Track, said: “We were delighted to have been nominated for the award and to be shortlisted is truly incredible.

“It is great recognition for the hard work which all of the TeamTRACK members have put in, and I am proud of each and every one of them.

“To be in a room with so many inspirational people will be fantastic, and we look forward to attending the event.”

Tom is hoping that national recognition will help the escalate the team's mission and help them to push on with improving employment for people with autism.

He added: “Just 16 percent of autistic individuals nationally are in full time paid employment, and this is something which we think cannot continue.

“We want Northamptonshire to lead the way, and to get national recognition is fantastic.

“The individuals who we have supported into employment are thriving in their workplace, with one recently named runner up in the Employee of the Year category at their business.

“Whilst times are incredibly challenging at the moment, during the past few months we have continued to support people not only to access employment, but also to help reduce social isolation and provide personalised support for individuals.”

The cafe was announced on the shortlist after customers and supporters completed an online nomination where they had to explain their reasons for doing so.

Among these, customers called the cafe a ‘life saver’ and a place of ‘safety, purpose and hope’, as well crediting new confidence to the Cafe Track team.

Paul Sesay, founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added: “During difficult and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise our countries true role models.

“The nation has embraced the diversity of our country and exceeded every other year by submitting a record breaking 64,000 nominations and votes.

“The profound impact made by all our nominees is astonishing, and I feel personally encouraged to know that so many lives are being changed for the better due to the many causes being championed by all of you.”

Staff at Cafe Track will find out if they have won the award at the ceremony in February next year.

The ceremony will be held at Liverpool Cathedral and will be hosted by actress and comedian Sally Phillips.

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