North West Social Prescribing Network Conference 2018

Join us at this free conference for anyone who wants to be involved in shaping the future of social prescribing in the North West.

Following a sequence of successful conferences and events across the North West, there is a growing movement across the region to position social prescribing as a cornerstone for creating good health and wellbeing. 

This event will build this work by bringing together people from health, local government and voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors to continue the conversation, explore the benefits of social prescribing and plan how to spread social prescribing.

Date: Thursday 13 December 2018

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Gujarat Hindu Society Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN, United Kingdom

Key note addresses from the following:

Morning

• Dr Simon Abrams: a Liverpool GP who is convinced all GP practices should be focusing on wider determinants of health. He will explore, ‘How do GP surgeries become holistic centres for health and wellbeing.’

• Dr Tim Greenway, Royal College of GP’s North West Champion: will explore the relationship between personalised care and social prescribing

• Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW and the NW SP Network Co-Chair: will consider ambitions for the regional social prescribing network and local strategic approaches to voluntary , community and social enterprise (VCSE) engagement

• Dr Michelle Howarth: will examine the Shape of Social Prescribing - lessons from Greater Manchester mapping and the next steps

Afternoon

• Dr Claire Stevens, dental consultant and the President of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: will reflect on how the seemingly intractable number of North West dental cavities and tooth extractions for under fives provides a measure of the devastating impact of health inequalities for the most vulnerable members of society - our children. But can social prescribing provide a solution?

• Jo Ward, the regional social prescribing co-chair: will provide an update on the development of regional social prescribing commitments for Women’s and Children’s services post-NHS Maternity Vanguard; arguing a Best Start is pivotal in any wellbeing strategy as health inequalities won’t be impacted without addressing the social gradient in children’s access to positive early experiences

• Dave Sweeney, Executive Implementation Lead, Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnerships (STP): why we need more than medicine to drive wellbeing and recovery. As the commissioner for the Halton Cultural Manifesto for Wellbeing he will explain why cultural resources are a key element of community wellbeing

Throughout the day we will host a compelling programme of workshops in the morning and afternoon ranging from:

• An insight into the Blackburn Ways to Well-being project which supports people facing severe and multiple disadvantages to improve their well-being, and become community volunteers through the support of peer mentors

• An exploration of a dynamic partnership between a family focused , forward-thinking GP surgery and an amazing and imaginative community enterprise in Stockport which together helps make a self-fulfilling prophecy for wellbeing

• A introduction to an international research project which has generated free resources to support community integration and the promotion of health literacy, through focusing on the pivotal role of language skills (ESOL) for both mums and babies, whilst boosting attachment and bonding, all the while having an eye on perinatal mental health

• A commissioner’s perspective on why funding social prescribing in a voluntary and community context is important

And more practical examples of the value added from a ‘more than medicine’ agenda in terms of the skills and resources to deliver wellbeing.

North West Social Prescribing Network

When registering for the conference, you can also join the North West Social Prescribing Network. You will receive key information and updates on future developments. You can also join the network on VSNW’s NWSPN registration page.

You can also sign up to the network at any point by emailing england.socialprescribing@nhs.net

Please note you can unsubscribe from the North West Social Prescribing Network at any point.

Sharing details with other delegates

If you are happy for your contact details to be shared with other delegates after the event please ensure you check the box on registration. You can opt out of sharing your contact details at any point by emailing england.pcevents@nhs.net

Reserve your chosen workshops and book tickets at the NHS England Event page.

If you register for this event and are unable to attend please email england.pcevents@nhs.net as soon as possible so the place can be released for someone else.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EVENT?

Name: Phoebe Jones

Email: england.pcevents@nhs.net

Telephone: 07730 379982

Source:: https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/north-west-social-prescribing-network

Countering Cognitive Decline - Awareness of Social Prescribing and Making Links

John Bews, from U3A Heswall, has been one of a small team concerned with dementia prevention and have been working on an action plan to encourage popular participation in a range of activities, recommended by the experts, that might reduce the risk of future cognitive decline. He has kindly provided this blog article to VSNW to explain further.

“My interest in this subject arises from within U3A where the National Subject Adviser on Memory and I have developed a memory workshop manual in the form of a keynote presentation which we have successfully delivered around the network. It was originally designed to be mainly educational and entertaining, but has recently gained an additional, more vital, dimension in the role of helping to counter cognitive decline. This is not only of importance to U3A members but is worthy of wider circulation to our ageing population.”

Need for action

Our journey to this point follows the increased public awareness of dementia/Alzheimer’s, with an estimated 850,000 confirmed cases in the UK, and this figure likely to increase. As you know, there is currently no cure for this condition and the race is on to find an answer. Some progress is being made and there are claims that there will be a positive solution ‘within the foreseeable future’. Neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli, in his 2017 book ‘In Pursuit of Memory - the fight against Alzheimer’s’ states, “We are closer than ever to the abolition of Alzheimer’s”.

In pursuing this investigative work to find a cure, attention has been given to the origins and cause of the problem from which it has been noted that particular lifestyles have a major influence in minimising cognitive decline. This opens up a second line of offence and introduces self-help measures to tackle the problem. Prevention is now considered to be of major importance.

Prevention

The Alzheimer’s Society says, “Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would cut the number of people affected by a third by 2030” and, “A treatment that could slow a disease like Alzheimer’s by 25% would almost halve the number of people in the severe stages of the disease by 2050.”

Numerous experts (see references below), including Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research, now recognise that engagement in particular lifestyle activities is paramount in countering the risk of cognitive decline. The Global Council on Brain Health have said, “More research is needed on the impacts that cognitively stimulating activities have on the brain, but we have sufficient evidence to conclude that it is beneficial to remain mentally active and to continue learning over the course of your lifespan”.

The range of recommended activities is broadly acknowledged by all parties but does have some variants and there is no definitive list. This is partly because the specific activities have not yet been evaluated for their effectiveness, and disparate research projects continually add their new findings to the growing accumulation of knowledge. In addition, there is a piecemeal flow of random advice in the media (See examples below) which Alzheimer’s and other experts say should be read with caution.

Refining the message

What is needed is an overview of the full range of recommended lifestyles to enable everybody to become engaged. The point here is that we are all different and, just as Dr Dale Bredesen says that there is no ‘one fits all’ solution, so there needs to be a ‘pick and mix’ choice of activities to empower people to accommodate their particular needs.

In order to assist and encourage individuals to engage in suitably effective activities, what is needed is a general understanding of the benefits of the recommended lifestyles.

In the book, ‘The Preservation of Memory’ edited by David Bruno and containing contributions from scholars of cognitive science it says, “In working with older adults, it is extremely useful to present knowledge about how memory works, and in particular, explanations about the ageing process and memory” (Troyer 2001).

U3A Memory Presentation

Our presentation endeavours to meet this need by first explaining in simple, layperson terms how the brain works in managing memory, including its strengths and weaknesses. It then utilises this information to refresh the memory process itself and make recommendations for its continued maintenance.

We have drawn on a wide collection of recommended lifestyle activities and have categorised them into recognisable groups, which we have then matched with the earlier, simple explanations as to their cause and effect on memory maintenance. This not only helps individuals understand their importance and benefit, but also empowers them to pick and mix their own selection of activities to help counter cognitive decline. “Ballroom dancing or learning a new language may be beneficial - but why is that and couldn’t I do something else instead?”

To answer this question, we have produced an action plan to help individuals identify and select their preferences. This can be used to assess an individual’s current performance level; plan for future improvement and review and monitor subsequent effectiveness. This would not only regularise and encourage a popular uptake but could provide a valuable source of data in assessing effectiveness.

Further Development

Two further elements are required:

• The extensive dissemination of the message to encourage self-help participants; and

• The comprehensive listing of organised activities and events to attract the more reticent. This would include an expansion of provision to fill gaps

Conclusion

We are not medical experts and recommend anyone with concerns about their memory to consult their GP. We are lay students (75 years plus) with a strong shared interest in cognitive matters stretching back over many years. We believe that our presentation is different from any other work on the subject, is easy to understand and could benefit a wider audience in pursuit of the ‘prevention’ target.

References and Sources

David Bruno’s book, ‘The Preservation of Memory’ says, “In working with older adults, it is extremely useful to present knowledge about how memory works, and in particular, explanations about the ageing process and memory” (Troyer 2001)

Both Dr Dale Bredesen, ‘The End of Alzheimer’s’, and Joseph Jebelli, ‘In Pursuit of Memory’ recommend these lifestyle activities as being of benefit in postponing cognitive decline.

In his book, ‘The Brain’ and TV series, neuroscientist David Eagleman concludes that the key to postponing cognitive loss is to adopt a lifestyle to include cognitive exercise such as crosswords, learning new skills, social and physical activity.

The Global Council on Brain Health - (a collaborative of scientists, professionals, scholars and experts from around the world) in their March 2017 meeting ‘Engage Your Brain’ concluded with a recommendation to, “incorporate enjoyable, cognitively stimulating activities (CSA) as part of a healthy lifestyle to help maintain your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you get older”. Also - Knowledge Gaps - “More research needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in cognitive stimulation. One major problem is how to measure the benefits.”

And - Conclusion - “More research needed on impacts that CSA have on the brain, but we have sufficient evidence to conclude that it is beneficial to remain mentally active and to continue learning over the course of your life span”.

Michael Mosley on TV’s ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ undertook, ‘The big brain maintenance experiment’ in which he tested and recommended three lifestyles to help maintain, and even improve, cognitive skills.

Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research have publications on ‘Reducing the Risk’ which list recommended lifestyle activities.

Public Health for England PHE Report 16 June 2018:

People over 40 in England will be given advice on how to reduce the risk of dementia as part of their free NHS health check.

Daily Mail news items:

Even slightly higher blood pressure raises the risk of dementia. DM Jun 13 2018

Sleep, exercise and a wee tipple … how to ward off Alzheimer’s. DM Jun 7 2018

Eat healthily ‘to have a bigger brain and stave off dementia”. DM May 17 2018

How learning a language helps ward off dementia DM Feb 8 2018

Drug to slow dementia “just three years away’. DM March 21 2018

Now that’s clever … Being bright helps you to live longer. DM March 13 2018

What to eat to beat dementia. DM January 30 2018

Jog Your Memory With Exercise DM 30 2018

How to make sure you never forget your brolly again. Dm 12 August 2017

How to never forget where you left your keys. Dm 2 December 2017

Listening? Now you can prove it. DM 23 February 2018

Why women are not dreaming enough DM 21 February 2018

GP’s urged to prescribe coffee mornings to lonely patients. DM 21 February 2018

The Alzheimer’s Solution: DM 2 October 2017

1. How to eat to beat dementia.

2. Warning; sitting down could give you dementia.

3. How stress can shrink your brain.

4. Why a good night’s sleep is your best defence against dementia.

5. Why your BRAIN wants to be challenged.

The VS6 Update on European Funding for the Liverpool City Region

VS6 met on October 10th for an update on European funding for the VCSE sector in Liverpool city region. Here’s a summary of what was revealed on the day.

Five more years of ESF and ERDF, even if there is no deal

The UK Government has guaranteed that funding for the current programme (2014-20) will continue to the end (i.e. until 2023), even if we leave Europe with no deal.

Half Way

Now that we are half way through the European Programmes, funding for the second part is being announced and agreed, and there are revisions to the Regulations and to the Operational Programmes.

YEI additional funding agreed

Finally, extensions for ESF-YEI programmes have been agreed (supporting NEET young people under the age of 30). In some cases, these are extensions in time, in others, extensions in time and money.

This brings the total ESF directly allocated to the VCFSE in Liverpool CR to almost 40% (£25 million of £65m), not counting indirect funding, through local authorities etc.

BBO lottery extensions

On 25th September, Big Lottery agreed to allocate more funds for the ESF-BLF projects, supporting extensions in time or in time and money. This will still need the support of the LEP level ESIF committees, and a letter was sent out to the Chairs on 26th, with the projects being emailed directly.

ESFA further funding

ESFA has found additional match funding to the end of the Programme, and issued calls in August for those on its tender list. This was for a total of £323 million across England (including £43m for social capital community grants). For Liverpool CR nothing was allocated for P1.1 or P2.1 (education and skills), but there was £2.250 for NEET young people, and £2.7 for Community Grants. Successful bidders are likely to be known at the beginning or 2019, with projects starting in April. The LCR allocations were less than for the other areas in the North West. Liverpool CR was intending to announce more calls, but withdrew them for further consideration once the ESFA said it would provide more cash.

ERDF calls

These went out for most of England on 5th October. But not for Liverpool CR - it is expecting calls later on through its Intermediate Body status.

More money

It has finally been agreed that LEP level allocations can be raised to take account of the devaluation a couple of years ago following the referendum. (ESF and ERDF programmes are agreed in Euros). This will give an extra eleven per cent of further funding, so over £600 million will be available across England. Liverpool CR was sent a provisional revised allocation for ESF on 14th September (now a total of £103m ESF) - the money needs to be committed (not spent) within the next year.

UK-Shared Prosperity Fund

This will replace the £9.7billion for ESF and ERDF we receive from Europe, with UK money if we leave. The Government’s Manifesto said that it would be to reduce inequalities. However, a recent Statement has contradicted this, saying that it will be to increase productivity (and this will trickle down to reduce inequalities). A paper has been published about how to make the LEPs fit for purpose, with them having a single goal of increasing productivity. It refers to the Peterborough/ Cambridge issue, and how to make the LEPs accountable - for example charging for membership (which Liverpool LEP does) will be abolished, to increase involvement for all.

There have been pre-consultation meetings for the UK-SPF taking place. A Green Paper for consultation is promised before the end of 2018.

European Week of Regions and Cities

This annual event is taking place now, with around six thousand people looking at what has been achieved with European Funding, best practice, and planning for the future. There has been considerable discussion around solidarity, bottom up development, more citizens involvement, and tackling the growth of extremism. Partnership and Simplification continue to be key issues.

VSNW AGM & Conference 2018

‘A New Direction for Uncertain Times’

Wednesday 14th November 2018 10.00am – 3.30pm

Venue: Blackburne House, 3 Blackburne Place, Liverpool, L8 7PE

Our AGM and Conference takes place at Blackburne House (pictured below) in Liverpool on November 14th.

We can now reveal the day’s agenda, including the choice of workshops in which you can take part, so that you can plan your day with us.

AGENDA

10.00am Coffee, Registration and Networking

10.30am Keynote Speaker and Q&A

Claire Dove, CEO of Blackburne House & Crown Representative of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (covering Claire’s role as Crown Representative and her thoughts on the future of the sector) (TBC)

11.00am Choice of three Workshops*

12.15pm Lunch

1.00pm AGM:

• A review of VSNW’s work during 2018 with Warren Escadale

• VSNW’s future priorities with Alison Page

• Formal AGM business

1.45pm Choice of three Workshops*

3.00pm Plenary & Closing Remarks with Warren Escadale, Alison Page and the Workshop Leads

3.30pm Close

*The workshops on offer will include the following:

1. ‘What is the Sector’s role in an Inclusive Economy?’

• Graham Whitham, GM Poverty Action, to provide a high level introduction;

• Lynne Stafford, Gaddum, and Ellen Loudon, Canon Chancellor of Liverpool Diocese, share their learning and experiences

2. Better Start - ‘VCSE’s role in Maternity Services’

• Jo Ward, Change Maker and Co-Chair of the North West Social Prescribing Network and Jan Campbell of Sefton CVS (TBC)

3. ‘The VCSE role in a Social Economy’

• Garth Hodgkinson, CEO of Community CVS (Blackburn) on developing a local social economy fit for the future

• Alan Southern of The Heseltine Institute (TBC)

4. ‘The Sector’s role in the Future World of Work’

• FACT’s Tom Rowlands on creatively exploring lessons for the future, influencing thinking and on understanding the VCSE role

5. ‘Changing World of Health: Keeping on Track’

• Warren Escadale, CEO VSNW, keeping track of the new NHS “roadmap”

• Michele Scattergood, CEO Breakthrough UK, discussing her experience of broadening engagement and participation in a Local Care Organisation

6. ‘Home Sweet Home – Developing the Sector’s role in place’

• Liz Windsor-Welsh, CEO Action Together, Oldham, on the role of the Voluntary Sector in public service reform and Community Hubs

• Sally Yeoman, CEO Halton and St Helen’s CVS, on Halton and St. Helen’s experiences

The Long-Term Plan for the NHS

Theresa May outlined a funding settlement for the English NHS in June of this year: "increased funding of £20.5 billion per year by the end of five years." 

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the NHS is therefore reviewing sector involvement and investment models across the board, which includes: Prevention, Personal Responsibility and Health Inequalities; Healthy Childhood and Maternal Health; Integrated and Personalised Care for People with Long-Term Conditions and Older People with Frailty (including Dementia); Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory; Learning Disability and Autism; Mental Health; Workforce, Training and Leadership; Digital and Technology; Primary Care; Research and Innovation; Clinical Review of Standards; System Architecture; and Engagement.

How Can the VCSE Sector Get Involved?

VSNW are co-hosting one of four regional workshops (1.30-4pm, September 12, Manchester) with NHS England (via the VCSE and participation teams) and NCVO, as part of a rapid national engagement exercise, in order to develop VCSE proposals and core messages that feed into the Autumn Budget statement. We are particularly keen to draw out lessons and messages drawn from local reality.

This is an important moment. To book: North West event in Manchester on September 12.

Audrey Okyere-Fosu Supports Equalities Board of the VCSE Engagement Project

Audrey Okyere-Fosu has been appointed as the Coordinator for the Equalities Board of the VCSE Engagement Project. The development of this Equalities Board for Greater Manchester has arisen as a result of work carried out on behalf of the recently formed GM VCSE Devolution Reference Group.

She has a diverse and interesting background in equalities, the arts and community involvement, as a Community Development Officer with the BHA for Equality, as an Inclusion and Equality Advisor for the Salford Royal Foundation Trust and as an accomplished jazz vocalist with a catalogue of music releases.

Audrey Okyere-Fosu

VSNW asked Audrey about her ideal objectives for equality across the region, what obstacles might be in the way and what her strategy might be.

VSNW: What’s your vision for GM in 20 years?

Audrey:

·       The creation of a vibrant cultural and artistic hub, where everyone feels safe

·       High quality, sustainable transport links that serve all communities

·       Lifelong education and training that highlights the benefits of diversity, and strong leadership that reflects this

·       Fairer recruitment practices, for example using the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard data, and then using that data to inform equalities best practice

·       Leaders who aren't afraid to challenge any cultural practices that exclude minorities within their own organisations

·       Equality of access to information, services, advice and treatment for historically marginalised or forgotten communities

·        Local people: true partnership working between the VCSE and statutory sectors

·        Accountability for poor performance and cultural practices that discriminate and exclude

·        More community spirit!

·       Tougher action on hate crime and a recognition of its impact on the v fabric of communities and community cohesion.  The link to health and well-being – i.e. preventative action aligned with budgets

VSNW: What’s the biggest barrier to your vision?

Audrey:

·        A lack of vision (a culture of ‘we've always done it this way’)  

·        Practices and culture within organisations that cause exclusion

·        A lack of understanding that an equality impact assessment/equality analysis identifies the issues and clearly highlights changes that need to be made - it is a dynamic document with an action plan that needs to be ‘actioned’

·        Currently there appears to be a focus of attention and resources to south and central Manchester, and a perception that north Manchester has been left behind

·        As members of the VCSE sector, we continue to address our assumptions and (un)conscious biases to ensure we are delivering inclusive services to all Manchester’s communities

·        Our use of jargon, acronyms and a lack of plain English can exclude groups from participating

·        Meetings that are held at inappropriate venues or times. These can exclude groups/individuals from participating

VSNW: What would you like to do?  

Audrey:

·        To continue to be an interface for organisations, businesses and the communities that they serve

·        Keep the focus on achieving better equality outcomes for communities without any politics or agendas

·        Encourage more collaborative working within the VCSE sector

·        I’m a qualified trainer with nearly 20 years’ experience - maybe this skill set can be utilised to upskill staff, managers and leaders regarding cultural awareness, equality good practice, impact assessments and effective challenge. Perception is everything!

VSNW: Who will you connect to?

Audrey: I’m keen to work alongside colleagues in the VCSE, statutory, health and business sectors. Plus local community and cultural groups.

VSNW: What’s missing?

Audrey: Self-awareness – we don’t have all the answers and sometimes we get it wrong, but we’re trying. We need to listen to, and act on, intelligence already offered up by communities, while avoiding consultation fatigue.

People’s Postcode Lottery Offers Dream Fund to Charities

Postcode Dream Trust, the charity foundation of the People’s Postcode Lottery, are offering charities across England, Scotland and Wales the opportunity to apply for funding from a pot of £3 million.

Charities that make successful bids can use their share of the fund to deliver their dream project, but have perhaps never had sufficient funding to do so previously. At least two charitable organisations need to join forces to deliver an innovative project as part of their application. The lead partner organisation must be a registered charity. The other partners can be registered charities, voluntary groups, community interest companies, universities or other non-profit organisations.

The funding pot for 2019 has been set at £3 million total, with grants of between £500,000 and £1 million that are available to each winner so that they can implement a project during a 24 months period from 2019 to 2021.

The Dream Fund are looking for charitable organisations across Great Britain to imagine and plan an expansive project and work alongside other non-profit partners to fulfil their vision.

The proposed projects must address at least one of this year’s priorities, which are:

• Changing lives through early intervention
• Ending loneliness and social isolation
• Protecting Britain’s biodiversity
• Sustainable systems change
• Transforming society through sport

Stage 1 applications have until 5:30pm on 31 August 2018 to be submitted.
Further information and the application form can be found at the Postcode Dream Trust website, which also contains an innovation toolkit and downloadable guidance notes.

Government Announces Social Prescribing Schemes Will Receive £4.5 million

The funding plans to allow GPs to refer more patients to social activities or other types of support to improve health and wellbeing, and to reduce demand on NHS services.

The government has announced investment plans of nearly £4.5 million to put towards social prescribing programmes that will refer patients to their local voluntary and community services, including walking groups, arts and crafts sessions or gardening activity across England.

Research suggested that social prescribing can reduce demand on NHS services: a UK study found that after three to four months, 80% of patients referred to a social prescribing scheme found that they relied on Accident & Emergency departments less, and made fewer outpatient appointments or became inpatient admissions less often.

23 social prescribing projects in England are to benefit from a share of the funding to either extend current social prescribing schemes or develop new ones.

Gardening is viewed as a form of social prescribing

Social prescribing schemes include a focus on:

• Reaching out to people who may be socially isolated, such as those with mental health problems or learning difficulties
• Providing support for those affected by health inequalities, such as transgender people or people from BAME backgrounds
• Helping people with particularly complex needs who regularly access health services

The funding will come from the Health and Wellbeing Fund, part of a programme of government investment in the voluntary sector. The projects will be fully funded through the scheme in their first year. Additional joint funding from local commissioners will be agreed for the subsequent two years.

Care Minister Caroline Dinenage commented by saying that:

"The voluntary and community sector has such a vital role to play in working with our health system to provide the kind of support that you can’t receive at your local GP surgery or hospital.

"This new funding will mean that many more people receive support that looks at their needs holistically, enabling them to live happier, more independent lives. I look forward to seeing these projects put their plans into action and provide support to hundreds of thousands more people."

VSNW manages the North West Social Prescribing Network. To become a member or discuss being a member please contact Jo Ward by email: jo@jowardchangemaker.org.uk or telephone: 07708 428096, or you can complete our registration page and sign-up online.

Three North West Charities Win Weston Charity Awards

Liverpool Mencap, Care Network Blackburn with Darwen and Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse (BDDWA) have been announced as 2018 Weston Charity Awards winners and will each receive a core grant of £6,500 and a year’s strategic planning support.

Mencap Liverpool

The Weston Charity awards celebrate and support front line charities which generate incomes under £5 million and are located in the north of England, the Midlands and Wales. Criteria for inclusion includes the delivery of youth, welfare or community services. Nearly 200 small charities applied but there were just 20 winners.

The award applications revealed that small charities seek support to maximise their impact and help more people. This is backed up by research carried out by Weston Charity Awards among 234 small charity leaders indicating that they expect to deliver more with fewer resources in 2018. Three in five small to medium sized charities expect to support more service users in 2018, despite most not feeling confident about income growth this year.

Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation behind the awards, said:

“Small charities have stepped up to deliver essential services in their communities and are extremely adept at being highly creative with limited resources. Their directors wear many hats as they juggle multiple roles but they need support.”

According to the UK Civil Society Almanac, half of England’s charities are based in London, the South East and South West – with 3.2 charitable organisations per 1,000 people in the South West compared to just 1.9 in the North West). This highlights how charities in the North have to work disproportionately harder to meet the needs of the communities they support.

The directors of the 20 winning charities will be matched with teams of senior business leaders for a programme of mentoring and coaching, to strengthen their organisations and increase impact. They also receive £6,500 of unrestricted funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation to take part in the programme, as well as access to the advice and support of Pilotlight.

Gillian Murray, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, said:

“Large charities have been in the spotlight in recent months for the right and for the wrong reasons. Meanwhile, up and down the country small charities are quietly facing rising demands for their services. Our programme is an opportunity for the award winners to develop the skills they need to make the maximum impact, even as they are being stretched to capacity.”