The endeavours of disabled and disadvantaged people who have overcome barriers to get into employment and training were celebrated at an awards ceremony last night.

Seven accolades were handed out across three categories at the Bradford in Mind event, which was held at Forster’s Bistro in City Park.

The ceremony was hosted by Remploy and Bradford Council. Remploy delivers recruitment and development services for disabled and disadvantaged people and has a branch on Bank Street, Bradford. Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, executive member for employment, skills and culture, said: “These awards celebrate inspiring people who have overcome a range of barriers to find a job or taken steps to be in a better position to secure work.”

There were three winners in the Candidates category. Mark Waters won the Inspirational Candidate award for showing great determination and tenacity to get a job.

Mr Waters overcame anxiety to get a work placement, before securing a job with Accent Housing where feedback from his manager is excellent.

The Significant Achievement award went to husband and wife Peter and Tina Bailey for their efforts in looking for work. Ill-health forced Mr Bailey to leave his previous physical, job and he has since struggled to get work despite his and Mrs Bailey’s best efforts.

Mr Bailey, with support from his wife, has done a work placement, attending weekly appointments, sent out CVs, and contacted companies, among other things, but still cannot find a job.

The Participation award went to an unnamed person who struggles with interaction, recognising his achievements on a Remploy programme, including participating in events, and volunteering in a charity shop.

The Supply Partners category had two awards – Training Provider and Outstanding Support. Laney Hardy, of Edu4Work, won the Training Provider accolade because “her support and belief” in candidates made a real difference.

Carol Cluer, a disability employer advisor at Eastbrook Court job centre in Bradford, won the Outstanding Support award for providing encouragement, building up trust, supporting, and working out of hours to help candidates.

The Employers category carried two awards – Work Placement Provider, which was won by Marks & Spencer because it “stood out from the others”, and Supportive Employer Award, which was won by Julie Donahue from City Facilities Management, who was “prepared to listen and try to understand the individual and their support needs”.