A North Wales social and environmental wellbeing charity based in Wrexham, has had the impact of its current services and future ambitions recognised, after winning an award.
Being a 2022 Weston Charity Awards winner means Groundwork North Wales now has the chance to invest in its future with 10 months' of strategic planning support from a dedicated team of four business experts, thanks to pro bono charity Pilotlight and a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Groundwork North Wales was chosen from more than 100 applicants, all of whom are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare or community services in Wales, the North of England, and the Midlands. Other local/regional charities to be selected are Adoption Matters, Chester and Disability Stockport CIO.
Karen Balmer, chief executive from Groundwork North Wales, said: "We were absolutely thrilled to hear we had been selected as a Weston Charity Award winner and can't wait to start working with the Pilotlight team over the next 12 months!"
The Weston Charity Awards winners.
In congratulating Groundwork North Wales, Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation added: "The Weston Charity Awards were created in 2014, and have since helped 126 charities across Wales, the North and the Midlands to be effective and to grow their services for people in need.
"As the cost of living crisis hits families and communities, we see a critical role for small charities in key regions who are supporting vulnerable people in a range of ways. These awards for 19 charities are a tribute to their determination to improve lives in the toughest of circumstances."
Ed Mayo, chief executive of Pilotlight, the charity which is connecting Groundwork North Wales with a team of coaches drawn from a range of businesses and other organisations, said: "An old saying is that the poor pay more. So, while the rising cost of living is a crisis for many people, it is a potential catastrophe for those who are most vulnerable.
"Groundwork North Wales has been selected as a Weston Charity Award recipient on the strength of its ambitions and the openness of the leadership team to external perspectives.
"Working with business experts, the Weston Charity Awards will strengthen Groundwork North Wales to support people who are most at need in our society."
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