An award may mark a single moment, but its impact often lasts much longer. Recognition can raise the profile of work that rarely attracts attention, acknowledge the efforts of staff and volunteers, and highlight the difference charities make in their communities.
The annual North East Charity Awards celebrate the charities, voluntary organisations and supporters making a difference across the region. Held on 10 September at The Fed in Gateshead, this year's event brought organisations together to recognise achievement and contribution across the sector.
We asked several winners what the recognition meant to them and what they wished more people understood about the role charities play. Their responses highlight the value of recognition and the impact of charities every day.
Taking stock of long-term impact
For organisations focused on meeting community needs, opportunities to reflect can be rare. For Unfolding Theatre, winner of the Uniquely North East Award, recognition offered a chance to celebrate its work and the relationships built over nearly two decades.
Artistic Director Annie Rigby said the award allowed the organisation to step back from day-to-day delivery and recognise the difference it has made for communities, children and young people. Arriving ahead of Unfolding Theatre's 18th anniversary, the award also prompted reflection on its journey since 2008.
Recognition for teams and communities
Emmaus North East, winner of Trustee Board of the Year, saw the award as recognition of both its trustees and its wider mission supporting people experiencing homelessness. Chief Executive Ruth Parker described it as acknowledgment of the Board's work and the charity's commitment to local communities.
Handcrafted, named North East Charity of the Year, viewed the award as a vote of confidence in its approach and the achievements of the people it supports. Senior Strategic Partnerships Officer Matt Bourne said it was especially meaningful for trainees rebuilding their lives, creating pride across the communities involved.
Outstanding Social Enterprise winner 2 Way Tenancy Solutions CIC also emphasised the people behind the award. Managing Director Sihle Mapanda said it recognised years of supporting people affected by homelessness and poverty while affirming that their experiences and lives matter.
For Eating Distress North East, Anne Fry's Charity Leader of the Year award reflected a wider team effort. Anne said the recognition was a significant boost for the charity, helping raise awareness of eating distress, an issue that is often overlooked and misunderstood.
Recognising work that often goes unseen
Much of the work carried out by charities happens away from public view. For West End Refugee Service, Tarik Alali's Rising Star award highlighted both his contribution and the organisation's wider impact.
Chief Executive Andy Durma said it recognised the kind of work that takes place quietly every day and the contribution of refugee communities across the region. He also highlighted the importance of the small, everyday interactions that help create a sense of belonging.
OUT North East, winner of Small Charity of the Year, saw the award as recognition of its team, volunteers and supporters, while also sending a positive message to LGBTQ+ communities that they are valued and deserve to be celebrated.
A reminder of the sector's contribution
Across all the winners' reflections, one theme stands out: recognition matters because it shines a light on work that is often unseen.
Anne Fry shared, charities and community organisations support people through some of life's most challenging moments and often fill gaps left by overstretched services.
Awards do not remove the challenges facing the sector, but they provide an opportunity to celebrate those behind the work, raise awareness of important issues and highlight the contribution charities make to communities across the North East.
As Annie Rigby reflected, "As a sector we are so much more than the sum of our parts."
Congratulations to all this year's winners and finalists, and to the staff, trustees, volunteers and communities whose efforts continue to strengthen communities across the region long after the awards ceremony has ended.
