A CHARITY that supports more than 180 local children has been acknowledged for its work in meeting the diverse cultural and religious needs of those it helps.

Acorns Children’s Hospice has been awarded theThe Diversity Champion Not for Profit Sector Award for 2015 which recognises and promotes organisational excellence and achievement in diversity.

It highlights organisations which actively promote diversity in ways that benefit all employees, the organisation’s users and the wider community.

The children’s charity, which has it headquarters in Wythall, was awarded an overall score of 93 per cent with judges praising the ‘comprehensive’ statement of intent regarding diversity and commenting on the ‘clear proactive measures taken to educate staff with consideration to serving the 40 per cent black minority ethnic (BME) children’ who use the services.

Emma Aspinall, from Acorns, said: “The children and their families at Acorns come from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. We work hard to ensure we respect and meet their different and individual needs as part of our provision of specialist palliative care.

“This ranges from providing halal and kosher meals and celebrating different cultural and religious festivals to forging links with all faith groups and ensuring we understand the special funeral and burial practices of different beliefs.

“We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised with this award and are encouraged to ensure we continue to respect and further support diversity in every area of our work.”