AN inclusive film-making programme, a support group for vulnerable families and a group providing support for cancer sufferers – just a few of the winners at this year’s Northamptonshire Community Foundation Annual Awards.
The awards, which took place at the Royal & Derngate Theatre on Wednesday, 6 November, once again threw a spotlight on the incredible work that dedicated volunteers and community groups do across the county.
Victoria Miles DL, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “Without these groups and the volunteers that run them, Northamptonshire would be a very different place. These awards enable us to celebrate, say thank you and also to recognise the generosity of our donors.”
The Best Newcomer Award – Kettering Community Unit
Kettering Community Unit aims to both relieve and prevent social and economic disadvantage. The group offers a discreet food bank model, supporting people in crisis whose health and wellbeing is significantly impacted through the inability to put food on the table.
The Trailblazer Award – Screen Northants Ltd.
Screen Northants Ltd. are an inclusive film-making group that aims to positively impact local society and change the Film Industry for the better by helping new voices and under-represented groups be heard. They work with disadvantaged young people aged 10-18 on professional film briefs to introduce them to the Creative Arts.
The Brilliant Group Award – The Lewis Foundation
This group provides support for those both receiving cancer treatment and people who are in post-treatment. They visit hospitals across the county, providing a range of gift packs to patients including portable radios, craft sets and pamper packs. The group also runs free health and wellbeing events, aiming to support people without an added financial burden.
The Edge Award – Eden Park Teenage Parents
This group provides support and accommodation to vulnerable families who would otherwise be homeless or separated from their children. The invaluable support they offer includes parenting skills, education, budgeting, benefit awareness and tenancy obligations, with each client being provided with a dedicated support worker.
The Lifetime Achievement Award – SERVE Rushden
SERVE Rushden is a support group for older people and adults with disabilities in the local community. They provide a variety of services, including domestic and personal care, hospital discharge and aftercare and community transport links.
The High Sheriff’s Initiative Award – Shudan CIC
Shudan CIC provides martial arts and sporting activities to young people from deprived areas of the local community. They aim to give young people positive experiences through these activities to help build confidence and self-esteem. Shudan CIC offers their free programme at local youth and community centres, with professional, qualified coaches committed to giving these young people the best experiences possible.
The Inspirational Woman Award, in partnership with AVON – Leonie Heard, Beast Friends Northamptonshire
Leonie founded Breast Friends Northamptonshire in 2017. The group provides practical and emotional support to people affected by breast cancer across the county. Supported by fellow members, Leonie organises regular meetings and events to help promote people’s wellbeing.
The Lady Juliet Townsend Award – Candice Sinnett, Kettering Community Unit
Candice volunteers in many roles at Kettering Community Unit. From helping with the foodbank to volunteering in the foodbank hub, she is a key member of the organisation. Candice also mentors groups of young people on placement, as well as being a trained mentor for the group’s Inclusive Volunteering project.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county, working with fund holders and donors to ensure projects make a sustainable impact on local need.
For more information, visit: www.ncf.uk.com