Ricky in Downing Street: Celebrating 20 Years of CSJ Charity Award Winners

Last week, as Rishi Sunak announced a surprise summer election in the pouring rain, our very own Ricky Wright was at No.10, celebrating 20 years of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Charity Awards. The CSJ was founded to bring practical solutions to Britain’s social problems. The Centre invited past Charity Award winners, including Vineyard Compassion, to a function at Downing Street on 22 May, the same day the PM addressed the nation. 

Ricky shared some insider insight: “The reception was planned for 4:30pm, but last Thursday, we received an email saying it had to be postponed until 6:30pm due to 'unforeseeable circumstances.'” 

He continued, “We gathered at the CSJ offices for drinks before the official reception. It was strange seeing BBC News on a large TV in the background. The room went quiet as the PM delivered his election announcement, getting soaked in the process. There were chuckles when the song 'Things Can Only Get Better' played loudly. As soon as the speech ended, we all made the short walk to No.10.” 

“It was surreal to walk up to the door of No.10 and ring the bell, especially with cameras and reporters still broadcasting the evening’s shocking events from across the street.” 

Despite the unexpected drama, Ricky described how the award winners shared stories of their work in their communities as drinks and canapés flowed. “It was a deeply encouraging and inspiring event, celebrating how small charities, created by local people for their local communities, are meeting needs in incredible ways.” 

“The vision, passion, and determination in the room to tackle local poverty were overwhelming and deeply inspirational. That evening, we were among the great and the good at No.10. But the very next day, we were back in our home communities, doing what we do best, supporting people who are struggling and offering them hope and solutions.”