Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on September 8th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth charity steps on the international stage

SAMEE has been shortlisted for its innovative solutions giving practical support to young disabled people as they move towards independent living.

A small Bournemouth-based charity has gained global recognition.

SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) has once again been shortlisted for the prestigious Zero Project Awards 2027 which recognise innovative solutions advancing the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This year, 159 solutions from 59 countries across six continents have been shortlisted, following a record 615 nominations from 94 countries.

SAMEE’s shortlisting follows its success as a finalist and eventual Zero Project 2025 Awardee at the United Nations in Vienna, when it was one of only two UK organisations selected from 522 nominations across 90 countries.

Beyond the Classroom, was recognised for the holistic, practical support it gives young disabled people as they move towards independent living, including real-life skills such as registering for and paying utility bills and council tax.

Founded in Bournemouth in 2015, SAMEE works with young people and adults with complex needs, learning difficulties, long-term health conditions and neurodivergence. The charity is nationally and internationally recognised for creating the UK’s first two-year Supported Self-Employment Internship programme.

Founder and CEO Samantha Everard said: “The Zero Project gives organisations like ours the opportunity to share what we do on an international platform, learn from peers around the world and help create a future where there are zero barriers. For a small charity from Bournemouth to be recognised in this way again is incredibly special.”

The shortlisting comes in a milestone year for SAMEE, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary and expanding its work in Bournemouth through the opening of a new vocational training centre.

The new facility, based at The Coach House in Deans Park Road, sits close to the first SAMEE House, which opened last year. This provides a dedicated vocational hub where interns can develop hands-on skills, build workplace confidence and gain practical experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Through SAMEE’s Supported Self-Employment Internship programme, young adults receive intensive mentoring and training designed to help them start their own businesses or move into meaningful employment. Interns also complete the Steps Into Self Employment qualification, the UK’s first co-created Level 1 certificate in self-employment skills for disadvantaged young people.
SAMEE also become the first charity in Dorset to achieve Disability Confident Leader Level 3, the highest accreditation available, further demonstrating its commitment to removing barriers and creating inclusive routes into work and enterprise.

Mrs Everard, known as Sammy, was recognised in the New Year Honours this year with an MBE for services to people with disabilities.

The final Zero Project Awardees will be selected following further peer review and fact checking. Shortlisted initiatives are assessed by experts from the global disability innovation community, with the process designed to identify practical solutions that can be shared and scaled internationally. The finalists will be announced later this year.

Samantha Everard said: “Everything we do is about giving young people the confidence, skills and opportunity to shape their own futures. Being shortlisted again shows that inclusive innovation can start in a local community and still have something powerful to offer the world. Fingers crossed we will be heading to Vienna again as a finalist later this year.”