MORE than 20 businesses, organisations and individuals were recognised for going the extra mile across Wyre Forest at this year’s No Barriers – the Mike Oborski Awards.
The annual ceremony organised by Wyre Forest District Council took place last Thursday.
It recognises those who have made a significant difference to the lives of people with disabilities – whether through improving access, providing employment opportunities or simply showing exceptional kindness and inclusion in their everyday work.
This year’s winners reflect the remarkable breadth of ways local people and organisations make Wyre Forest a more inclusive place.
Among the 26 honoured were people who offer quiet but invaluable personal support and local businesses which demonstrated inclusion is at the heart of how they operate. Voluntary and community groups featured strongly and schools and care settings were represented too.
Full list of 2026 winners
Adrian Beavis
Blossom Tree Cafe, Springfield Park, Kidderminster
Cafe Chad, St Chad’s Church, Kidderminster
Christopher Harvey
Heidi Worth
Jayne Brennan
Jennifer Phillips
Julie Hooper
Kidderminster Short Breaks Unit
Mikey and Kara Mikolajczyk, Mikey’s Boxing Gym,
Olivia Packwood, Starbucks Drive-Through, Kidderminster
Paul Evans
Pete and Kathy Jezukiewicz
Sarah Eaton
Sian Dimblebee, Blend Hair Salon, Kidderminster
St George’s Social Club, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster
Steve Carrigan
Susie Griffiths
Suzanne Giles-Pulley
The Church Restaurant, Church Street, Kidderminster
The Family Psychologist, Church Street, Kidderminster
The Kidz Barn, Aggborough, Kidderminster
The Station Inn, Farfield, Kidderminster
Wheely Different Theatre Company, Stourport-on-Severn
Wolverley Memorial Community Café
Younity Youth and Family Hub, Queens Road, Stourport-on-Severn
Inspirational
The No Barriers Awards were first held in 2008 in memory of Coun Mike Oborski, the district’s former Polish Honorary Consul for the West Midlands. He was inspired by a similar scheme in Gdynia, Poland. The awards are chaired by his wife, Councillor Fran Oborski.
Coun Fran Oborski, chair of the awards panel, said: “Every year these awards remind me of the extraordinary compassion that exists right here in our community.
“This year’s winners – whether they are running a cafe, opening a gym or simply being there for a neighbour – show inclusion isn’t just a policy, it is something real people live every day.
“I am so proud of each and every one of them and I hope their stories inspire others across Wyre Forest to follow their example.”
The council hopes by celebrating these achievements, others across the district will be inspired to make their businesses, services and communities more accessible and inclusive.
