2026 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Age
SEND Protect Academy CIC provides free, accessible financial education for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Founded by Cara, single mum to her autistic son Jayden, alongside fellow parent Lisa, the organisation combines lived experience with specialist expertise to support families navigating complex long-term planning. As one of the UK's first organisations dedicated to free financial education for SEND families, SEND Protect delivers jargon-free webinars, workshops and community sessions covering wills, trusts, safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries, LPAs, pensions, savings and future planning. Working with SEND-trained financial experts and partners, SEND Protect ensures families feel informed, confident, and no longer alone in protecting their child’s future.