THE Big Soup Theatre Group has won the Business Making A Difference Award for entertaining special needs adults throughout the pandemic.

Based in Keighley, the day centre for special needs adults has been providing shows and art packs for people with disabilities throughout lockdown.

The company makes phone call check in’s with each of their service users and created a much-enjoyed Youtube series.

Tracey Penney, who owns Big Soup, said: "The staff team here are so ecstatic that we were even considered for this wonderful prize, let alone win.

"The work we do is paramount to the service user, but spreads out way beyond people who are in our service. Schools, parents, carers, siblings, people as far as Sheffield, Halifax, America. Our work reaches so many who don’t even use our service, young, old, disabled, no matter who you are, where you're from.

"We are taking an holistic approach making films, Zoom and doorstep, providing support to whoever needs it, whether that be safeguarding, food, medication.

"To see our service users comforted and smiling by the staff supporting them through this very challenging time that’s our passion that’s our goal, kindness matters.

"For our parents and carers, our service has been a lifeline

"We are part of a mass of workers all doing their part and backing us to do what we do best. We would like to thank all who voted for us and all who support us."

One parent thanked the company for "working around the clock". She added: "This company are absolute angels."

Another parent said the staff go "above and beyond" to make those who use the service smile.

She said: "Each and every service user is part of the productions all the staff work exceptionally hard but manage to keep a very happy atmosphere building confidence in these adults.

"The staff go above and beyond in their care to our loved ones providing a stimulating, happy, fulfilling much needed day care service.

"Tracy Penney, owner of the big soup is an inspiring, funny, lovely lady who deserves recognition for her hard work and vision.

"My son, who is a service user of Big Soup, has complex issues. As do all service users he doesn't like change. When [the] first lockdown happened, each member of staff called every user every week day, they delivered art kits and put up live stream shows.

"Every single staff member deserves recognition again going above and beyond to our loved ones happy and part of the group.

"To remain open through the second lockdown, the Big Soup has gone to extraordinary lengths dividing the building into four bubbles all with its own entrance and facilities required, but the bubbles link up by video on huge screens so they can all communicate and work together. The staff all deserve medals for their work in these hard trying times but especially Tracy Penney."