Three charities have been shortlisted for an NR Times award.
The NR Times Awards celebrate innovation, leadership and commitment across brain and spinal care.
About the sponsor
The Charity of the Year award, sponsored by Slater and Gordon, recognises charities whose interventions are so critical to the lives of those living with neurological illness or injury, working in innovative and proactive ways to sustain and grow the organisation, while putting service users at the heart of everything they do.
Slater and Gordon is one of the UK’s largest and well-known law firms.
Our mission is to provide people with easier access to top-tier legal services.
With over 90 years’ experience, our reputation is built on the successes of our people.
We are experts in: Personal Injury Law, Abuse Law, Employment Law, Wills and Probate Law, Military Law, Clinical Negligence and Family Law.
Charity of the Year Shortlist
Aspire helps people with spinal cord injuries regain independence and get back to the things they love.
From finding an accessible place to live to getting back behind the wheel, the charity helps people take practical steps towards the life they want to lead.
Its temporary accessible homes help people make the transition from hospital to everyday life, while free specialist benefits advice helps them secure the financial support they’re entitled to.
Aspire also helps people use assistive technology to work, stay in touch with loved ones and rediscover favourite hobbies, opening up possibilities that can feel out of reach after injury.
The Child Brain Injury Trust helps children and their families find their feet after an acquired brain injury.
From the first days after injury to the return to school and the move towards greater independence, the charity gives families somewhere to turn as their needs change.
Its specialist team offers practical guidance and educational support, while nationwide counselling gives children, young people and their parents or carers space to talk.
Through peer support groups and community activities, families can meet others who understand what they’re going through, share what’s helped them and celebrate the milestones that matter most to them.
The Brain Charity helps people across the UK live with greater confidence and independence after a neurological diagnosis.
From making sense of a diagnosis to preparing for appointments and claiming benefits, its team helps people take the next step.
Free counselling gives people with neurological conditions and their carers space to talk. At its Liverpool centre, weekly activities give people the chance to try a new hobby and meet others who understand what they’re going through.
Its free Neuro Gym offers accessible equipment, personal training and group classes, helping people build strength and find ways to stay active that suit them.
When will the winner be announced?
Judging takes place throughout November, and the winners will be announced during an online presentation on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
Each winner will receive a trophy and be interviewed by an NR Times journalist.
Congratulations to all three finalists.
Three inspirational figures shortlisted for NR Times Award
