Huge congratulations to Kirstyn Oliver, Children and Families Minister at Christ Church Beckenham, who has won the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards.
She received the award in recognition of her dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly around Autism in churches.
Photo: Kirstyn receives her award (copyright Sara Porter)
Kirstyn is the creator of Sensory Tray Bible, a pioneering resource enabling people of all abilities to experience biblical stories through the senses.
With a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Autism Studies and a Doctorate underway, she combines academic expertise with lived commitment to inclusion.
Alma Autism is the initiative through which Kirstyn supports churches and community groups internationally, delivering talks and training to promote acceptance of autistic and neurodivergent people.
She has also worked with the Diocese of Rochester's Children and Young People Mission and Ministry Team to deliver sessions and guidance.
Photo: An example of a Sensory Tray Bible
As a children and families minister and respite foster carer, she advocates passionately in her free time, including a 2026 mission trip to The Gambia to train teachers in neurodiversity.
On winning the award Kirstyn said:
"Winning the National Diversity Award is incredibly special. To receive recognition through a secular award, from among 85,000 people, for the work and ministry of raising awareness of neurodiversity and supporting people with special educational needs and disabilities to engage with faith and God, was truly honouring.
"I am especially proud that the award recognised the development of resources that help people engage with the Bible in a sensory and accessible way.
"All honour goes to God, as I do not do this ministry for myself, even though I am passionate about it and God gave me this calling, but instead, I do this work to serve Him, to bring Him glory and ultimately to support others in encountering Christ as their Saviour."
Photo: Kirstyn (centre) with the award presenters on the night
Kirstyn adds that her commitment is rooted in her work at her local church:
"This is part of my ministry at Christ Church Beckenham. We started with what we had: a purpose, a passion and a heart for supporting the spiritual needs of people with special educational needs and disabilities.
"We now have SEN-structured worship services, we developed and adapted Bible resources but our building simply isn't adequate for the vision we have.
"My hope and dream is that this recognition and award will help shine a light on what we believe is the way forward and, ultimately, help us find the funding we need for our Come As You Are building project."
Through the project, the church is hoping to make their building fully accessible, with ramps, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility, sensory room and a lift.
"This wouldn't just transform what we can offer within our church," say Kirstyn, "it would enable us to serve and welcome the wider community of Beckenham too.
"We have seen what can happen when we start with what we have, now we are praying for the opportunity to build on that foundation and create a place where everyone really can come as they are."
Find out more about Alma Austism