The NWG Network would like to congratulate our network member Bright Futures on winning this award – a great achievement and a wonderful way to end 2020 – well done to the whole team.

The following news  item is taken from the Chronicle Live

An organisation which works with young women to raise their self-esteem and confidence shone Bright at the North East Charity Awards 2020 ceremony.

Bright Futures was named North East Charity of the Year at the virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, the sixth time the event has been staged by The Journal and The Gazette in association with associate sponsors Brewin Dolphin.

On winning the award, Bright Futures’ managing director Nicola Whalen said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, it means so much to us. We’ve worked so hard over the years since setting it up, and it really is going to raise the profile of everything we do and hopefully bring more opportunities for the young women and girls that we work with in our area.”

Other winners on the unique night included Bob Eldridge MBE, of Newcastle Homeless Commission, who was named Charity Leader of the Year and Newcastle Building Society, which scooped Outstanding Charity Support by Large Companies.

Hundreds of people logged in to the online winners reveal event for an event that lost none of its glitz and glamour despite the unusual setting.

“The night was a huge success and though we were not together you could feel the energy and excitement through social media,” said Jeffrey Ball, chairman of the judges and a charity investment manager at Brewin Dolphin.

“It has been great to see so many people celebrating and recognising so many worthy causes. We have loved seeing everyone’s photos, hearing about their own lockdown parties and how they got glammed up for a night watching along on the sofa.

“We are really grateful to everyone who has taken part and who have made this year’s event possible.

“I and everyone at Brewin Dolphin is incredibly proud to be involved.”

There were more than 150 nominations for this year’s awards – a testament to the continuing hard work across a sector that has had to grapple with so many challenges.

Jeff explained: “This has been one of our most diverse shortlists ever and truly reflective of the qualities of the North East. Within our winners we have got our companies that have gone the extra mile, social enterprises that have adapted admirably and volunteers and fundraisers who are true examples to us all.

“We have charitable leaders who have phenomenal talents and who have set a benchmark for us to follow and, of course, the charities which are truly inspirational.

“The range of their activities, their dedication to the community and their ability to react to the challenges that stretch beyond the issues of 2020 all mean they are all very worthy of their places as winners or highly commended.

“During the judging session, judge Jo Curry pointed out how appropriate it is that the North East Charity of the Year 2020 is called Bright Futures. I could not agree more.”

Sources: Chronicle Live https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/special-features/winners-are-who-shone-bright-19344822