"It was an honour to host the North West Charity Awards, and I was blown away by the standard of entries and inspiring winners. We have some of the most talented, generous people in the region"
Ilona Alcock
Local charities have been celebrated and recognised for their outstanding contributions at the first North West Charity awards which took place last week.
All 150 entries highlighted the variety of outstanding contribution to the region. In total, 13 awards were presented on the night with the prestigious recognition of North West Charity of the Year going to Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme.
Maura Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Bolton Housing says
Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme celebrate their Silver Jubilee this year and what a way to mark the occasion!! By being selected as winners of NW Charity Awards Charity of the Year. From all our colleagues, trustees, young people and army of supporters – thank you. It was overwhelming on the night and still amazing now. This is a game changer for us, external recognition for our work is priceless.
Hosted by Ilona Alcock from University of Salford, and National & International Director, JCI Manchester, the awards saw over 380 guests at Manchester's Midland Hotel. Guests were welcomed to a drink reception, magician and pianist whilst the Manchester Show Choir entertained throughout the evening.
Smart Works Greater Manchester was awarded the category winner for Small Charity Big Impact. As a charity, Smart Works supports the most vulnerable women in society working alongside the prison service, homeless shelters, care service and refuges all to help unemployed women back into work.
Fundraising Campaign of the Year was awarded to Community Foundation for Lancashire who launched their Strengthening Communities fund to support community-led flood defence and resilience work following the devastation storms Desmond, and Eva both caused Lancashire communities in December 2015.
Fundraising Event of the Year went to the Teenage Cancer Trust for their production, Runway on the runway, a fashion show modelled by local school with the aim of raising cancer awareness amongst young people aged 13-24.
The final charity category, Best Social & Digital Media went to Liverpool Biennial for Contemporary Arts.
Baroness Newlove, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales and a community campaigner in the North West attended the event and presented one of the awards. She says “I was delighted and honoured to be at the North West Charity Awards. This is a brilliant initiative as it celebrates the inspirational work taking place in local communities across the region. For me, the volunteers and professionals working for these charities are unsung heroes, supporting and giving hope to thousands. I hope this event becomes an annual fixture.”
The event, founded and organised by Phoebe Benta from Eureka Events, brought together charities to celebrate the amazing achievements of the region. Phoebe said: "It was a delighted to see such an overwhelming response to the inaugural awards the atmosphere at the event was inspiring. The collaboration that will take place between charities after this event will be incredible."
The award categories:
North West Charity of the Year
· Winner – Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme
· Rising Star – P3 People Potential Possibility
· Highly Commended – Active Cheshire
· Highly Commended – Prevent Breast Cancer
· Highly Commended – Liverpool Biennial for Contemporary Arts
Small Charity, Big Impact
· Winner – Smart Works Greater Manchester
· Rising Star – Cre8 Macclesfield
· Highly Commended – Genie Networks
· Highly Commended – In Place of War
· Highly Commended – Mancunian Way
Fundraising Event
· Winner – Teenage Cancer Trust
· Highly Commended – Trafford Rape Crisis
Fundraising Campaign
· Winner – Community Foundation for Lancashire
· Highly Commended – Liverpool Biennial for Contemporary Arts
Best Use of Social and Digital Media
· Winner – Liverpool Biennial for Contemporary Arts
· Highly Commended – Child Action North West
Volunteer of the Year
· Winner – Gary McKee – Macmillan Cancer Support
· Highly Commended – Tasleem Ayoub – Hyde Community Action
· Highly Commended – Wendy Close – Macmillan Cancer Support
Volunteer Manager of the Year
· Winner – Sharon Doyle - Talk Listen Change
· Highly Commended – Martin Sutton - Positive Steps
· Highly Commended – Lauren Lovelace – Advocacy Focus
Young Charity Ambassador of the Year
· Winner – George Mathias – Run with George Charity
· Highly Commended – Alicia Wright - Henshaws
Celebrity Charity Ambassador of the Year
· Winner – Sally Dynevor
· Highly Commended – Maxine Peake
Charity Director of the Year
- Winner – Sally Tallant – Liverpool Biennial for Contemporary Arts
- Highly Commended – Michelle Hill – Talk Listen Change
Charity Trustee of the Year
- Winner – Louise Parrott-Bates – Smart Works Greater Manchester
- Highly Commended – David Castle – Mancunian Way
Outstanding Charity Support by Small to Medium Size Companies
- Winner – Creamline Dairies
· Highly Commended – Stockport Homes Group
Outstanding Charity Support by Large Companies
- Winner – Roberts Bakery
- Highly Commended – BAM Construction
Official awards photos are on our Facebook page,
North West Charity Awards 2018
After a successful first, we will be hosting the awards for a second year. Nominations for 2018 opens in April, we look forward to receiving more inspirational nominations. Email phoebe@eurekaevents.co.uk for sponsorship information.
