A new charity award is set to be expanded to help small charities across the North of England.

The Weston Charity Awards were originally launched to service charities working in the fields of youth, welfare, and community the North East but are being expanded to cover the whole of the North. The awards are designed to help rural areas and cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Hull, and Durham.

The Garfield Weston Foundation aims to select 12 winners this year. Successful charities will receive a year working with Pilotlight, an organisation which pairs charities with business leaders to provide mentoring and expertise.

Winning charities will also receive some funding, media coverage, and access to advice and support.

Garfield Weston Foundation director Philippa Charles said the organisation had been shocked to see a significant decline in funding applications from charities in the North.

“What’s really worrying is that applications from organisations providing community services fell by about 40 per cent - the very areas hit hard by funding cuts. By building on the success of the first ever Weston Charity Awards in the North East, we want to reach more charities across the North, helping them to achieve their goals.”

Pilotlight’s chief executive Gillian Murray said charities have been feeling the effects of cutbacks in spending for several years. Although some are starting to feel more positive, Murray said, many face increased demands for services as budgets continue to fall.

“The support and coaching that our business mentors provide enables charity leaders to look beyond the day-to-day and build a sustainable future.”

Applications from charities working in the fields of welfare, youth or community are invited until 30 January. For more information and to apply visit www.westoncharityawards.org.

It is hoped that the Weston Charity Awards will eventually expand to more areas across the country.

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