The local charity has received a national award for a third straight year, recognising its work in meeting the diverse cultural and religious needs of the children and families the charity supports.

The Diversity Champion Not for Profit Sector Award promotes organisational excellence and achievement in diversity. It highlights those organisations that actively promote diversity in ways that benefit all employees, the organisation’s users and the wider community.

The children’s charity, which operates hospices in Selly Oak, Birmingham; Walsall for the Black Country and Worcester for the Three Counties, increased its overall score to 95% with judges highlighting the Proactive measures being taken to ensure that people with physical and learning disabilities are listened to and responded to.

Judges also remarked positively on the fact that Acorns services were reflective of its diverse audience and highlighted the fact that bespoke diversity training is provided for all staff. Emma Aspinall, director of care at Acorns, said:

“Acorns works hard to ensure we respect and meet the needs of all the children and families who use our services, so we are delighted to have been recognised again in this way.

“As part of the award, we are given constructive feedback on how we can further improve, which we will work hard to address to make sure we are the best we can be in every area of our work.”

In the last year Acorns has cared for over 830 children and more than 1,060 families, including those who are bereaved. The charity needs to raise more nearly £10 million every year to continue providing the support families require and it relies on the local community for the majority of this amount.