On behalf of our Chief Executive Gemma Scire we’re really excited and proud that Basis Yorkshire have been awarded the GSK Impact Award for the support it provides to women sex workers and young people being, or at risk of being, sexually exploited. This national award is run with The King’s Fund that recognises excellence in charities improving health and well-being in their communities. We beat more than 400 organisations from all over the UK and will be receiving £30,000 funding as part of the prize, as well as expert support and development. The prize will be awarded on Thu. 18 May 2017, in a ceremony in London, along with nine other GSK IMPACT Award winners.

It’s an immense privilege to see the hard work of our organisation recognised like this. Basis Yorkshire are absolutely committed to providing a non-judgemental approach, offering support tailored to the women and young peoples’ needs in Leeds and N. Yorkshire, supported by our wonderful staff, trustees and volunteers, working closely with local partners including the police, Leeds City Council and other statutory and third sector agencies and of course with the support of our funders. This award is testament to our team’s dedication and willingness to go beyond the call of duty. We’re proud of the difference we make to people’s lives, no matter how challenging the situation may be.

Lisa Weaks, Head of Third Sector at The King’s Fund, said: “Basis Yorkshire is a small charity with a track record of big achievements. It’s developed an effective partnership with the police and has been commendably proactive at reaching women who may find it hard to access services.  Basis Yorkshire is certainly a worthy winner of a GSK IMPACT Award, as it’s an immensely impressive organisation undertaking extremely challenging work and having a positive impact on some of the most vulnerable women and young people in the local community.”

If you can, we hope you’ll also join us in celebrating this news on social media – using the hashtag #GSKIMPACTUK (More info can be found here: http: www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/gsk-impact-awards)