1V HEALTH AWARD 2026
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The 1V Health Award will recognise an individual or organisation for their commitment and effort in tackling key health issues in hard to reach communities. It will also acknowledge any success which combats health inequalities in our town. The award will celebrate individuals or organisations that conduct their work in the voluntary sector, but applications are also welcome from the public and private sector.
The 1V Health Award will also be for those who lead in improving, innovating and helping to make a real difference to health and well-being services in Blackburn with Darwen. Research projects can also be considered.
Individuals or groups who have worked in partnership with other organisations and communities to reduce health inequalities will receive greater credits.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates/organisations in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
HERE ARE YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Blackburn Birth Centre
Blackburn Birth Centre is a standalone, midwifery-led unit that has developed over 15 years into a recognised community hub for Blackburn with Darwen. The Centre provides families with a single, reliable point of contact for midwifery support throughout every stage of pregnancy, delivering care both within the Birth Centre and across diverse community settings. This ensures a consistent, safe, and accessible service for women, newborns, and families.
Throughout its development, the Centre has strengthened its contribution to local maternity services by collaborating with partner teams to identify and meet the diverse needs of families effectively. These partnerships have helped shape the Centre into the community-focused service it is today, trusted by generations of families.
In 2025, Blackburn Birth Centre celebrated 15 years of high-quality maternity care, bringing together past and present families to reflect on its profound impact. The Centre provides a home-from-home environment, supported by highly skilled midwives experienced in antenatal care, low-risk labour and birth, and postnatal support. Families can rely on the Centre for compassionate, professional care, helpful guidance, and dedicated support for postnatal wellbeing, including mental health.
With a commitment to sustaining and enhancing this service, Blackburn Birth Centre continues to deliver exemplary maternity care and strengthen its vital role within the community.
Sunita
Asal-Chander
Sunita is a Habilitation Specialist with Guide Dogs and the Blackburn Visually Impaired Team, whose work empowers children and young people with vision impairments to build independence, confidence, and lifelong skills. Remarkably, Sunita is visually impaired herself, and she draws on her lived experience to inspire and support those she works with, breaking down barriers and showing that vision loss does not define potential.
She teaches children practical skills including safe street navigation, use of public transport, spatial awareness, home routines, and confidence in new environments. These lessons provide more than mobility—they equip children with resilience, self-esteem, and tools for independence that carry through into adulthood. Many of her students have successfully transitioned to mainstream schools, colleges, and universities, with some securing paid employment, demonstrating the long-term impact of her work.
Sunita has been widely recognised for her dedication, including as a finalist at the International Women’s Day Awards and winner of the Role Model Award at Blackburn with Darwen’s Proud to be BwD Staff Spotlight Awards. Her work has also been showcased in a Guide Dogs feature highlighting her transformative impact on children like Mabel.
Through her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment, Sunita continues to inspire, support, and empower the visually impaired community, making her a deserving finalist for the Health Award.
Zaynab (Zee)
Jogi
Zaynab “Zee” Jogi is a Blackburn and Lancashire-based community leader, adventurer, and charity founder whose work has transformed the lives of women, youth, and underserved communities through health, wellbeing, and empowerment initiatives. She founded Z’s Defence Academy, a pioneering charity dedicated to breaking down mental health barriers via sport, outdoor pursuits, self-defence, and volunteering. At its core, the Academy helps vulnerable women build confidence, resilience, and life skills to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Zee has championed menopause awareness and led numerous health campaigns, particularly supporting South Asian women, ensuring that vital education reaches communities often overlooked. Her programmes promote physical wellbeing, emotional resilience, and positive lifestyle change, providing participants with skills, leadership opportunities, and pathways to independence.
Beyond her charitable work, Zee is a trailblazing adventurer and athlete. She became the first British Muslim woman to achieve two Guinness World Records on Mount Kilimanjaro, completing both the trek to Uhuru Peak Basecamp (5,364m) and an obstacle course at 5,644m alongside 45 athletes from 26 countries. She is also a qualified fitness instructor, boxing coach, mixed martial artist, and the only British female self-defence course instructor in the North West.
Through her innovative programmes, advocacy, and personal achievements, Zee Jogi inspires healthier, safer communities, making her a truly deserving finalist for the Health Award.
WINNER 2026
Sunita Asal-Chander Wins 1V Health Award 2026
Sunita Asal-Chander was announced as the winner of the 1V Health Award 2026, sponsored by Spring North, recognising her outstanding dedication to improving the lives of children and young people with vision impairments across Blackburn with Darwen and beyond.
As a Habilitation Specialist with Guide Dogs and the Blackburn Visually Impaired Team, Sunita works tirelessly to empower children and young people to develop independence, confidence, and essential life skills. What makes her contribution even more remarkable is that Sunita is visually impaired herself, using her lived experience to inspire others, challenge perceptions, and demonstrate that vision loss should never limit ambition or opportunity.
Through her specialist support, Sunita teaches practical skills including safe navigation, public transport use, spatial awareness, and confidence in unfamiliar environments. Her work equips young people with the tools they need to thrive in education, employment, and everyday life, helping many successfully transition into mainstream schools, colleges, universities, and careers.
“It’s my first time at the 1V Awards. I completely dedicate my award to the children and young people with a vision impairment. They are the people I support, always striving to make them more independent and build their confidence in mobility orientation and life skill,” said Sunita.
Sunita’s dedication has already earned significant recognition, including being named a finalist at the International Women’s Day Awards and receiving the Role Model Award at Blackburn with Darwen’s Proud to be BwD Staff Spotlight Awards.
The 1V Health Award celebrates individuals who make an exceptional contribution to health and wellbeing, and Sunita’s compassion, expertise, and lasting impact make her a truly deserving winner.
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