No Barriers Award winners
News release issued:
A celebration of people who go the extra mile to help others across Wyre Forest has taken place, with more than 20 individuals, businesses and organisations recognised at this year's No Barriers – the Mike Oborski Awards.
The annual ceremony organised by Wyre Forest District Council took place on Thursday 16 April. It recognises those who have made a significant difference to the lives of people with disabilities – whether through improving access, providing employment opportunities, or simply showing exceptional kindness and inclusion in their everyday work.
This year's winners reflect the remarkable breadth of ways that local people and organisations make Wyre Forest a more inclusive place. Among the 26 honoured were individuals who offer quiet but invaluable personal support and local business which demonstrated that inclusion can be at the heart of how they operate. Voluntary and community groups featured strongly and schools and care settings were represented too.
The No Barriers Awards were first held in 2008 in memory of Councillor Mike Oborski, the district's former Polish Honorary Consul for the West Midlands, who was inspired by a similar scheme in Gdynia, Poland. The awards are chaired by his wife, Councillor Fran Oborski.
Councillor Fran Oborski, Chair of the Awards Panel, said:
"Every year these awards remind me of the extraordinary compassion that exists right here in our community. This year's winners – whether they are running a café, opening a gym, or simply being there for a neighbour – show that inclusion isn't just a policy, it is something real people live every day. I am so proud of each and every one of them, and I hope their stories inspire others across Wyre Forest to follow their example."
The council hopes that by celebrating these achievements, others across the district will be inspired to make their businesses, services and communities more accessible and inclusive.
Full list of 2026 winners:
- Adrian Beavis
- Blossom Tree Café, Springfield Park, Kidderminster
- Café Chad, St Chad's Church, Kidderminster
- Christopher Harvey
- Heidi Worth
- Jayne Brennan
- Jennifer Phillips
- Julie Hooper
- Kidderminster Short Breaks Unit
- Mikey and Kara Mikolajczyk, Mikey's Boxing Gym,
- Olivia Packwood, Starbucks Drive-Through, Kidderminster
- Paul Evans
- Pete and Kathy Jezukiewicz
- Sarah Eaton
- Sian Dimblebee, Blend Hair Salon, Kidderminster
- St George's Social Club, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster
- Steve Carrigan
- Susie Griffiths
- Suzanne Giles-Pulley
- The Church Restaurant, Church Street, Kidderminster
- The Family Psychologist, Church Street, Kidderminster
- The Kidz Barn, Aggborough, Kidderminster
- The Station Inn, Farfield, Kidderminster
- Wheely Different Theatre Company, Stourport-on-Severn
- Wolverley Memorial Community Café
- Younity Youth and Family Hub, Queens Road, Stourport-on-Severn