VIDEO: #Love Cramlington Awards 2020 – Charity Champions

Cramlington Town Councillor Norman Dunbar announced the results of the #Love Cramlington Charity Champions 2020 Award.

The first runners-up are Autism Northumberland

Autism Northumberland was founded by Lesley Cole in 2015. Lesley herself has two boys diagnosed with Autism. On her journey she discovered there was no help or support available at a time when she needed it most, it was at this point Autism Northumberland was born.

Autism Northumberland is a grass roots charity, who support Children and their Families on their journey from the early years or the moment they feel they need help, through diagnosis, and onto the journey navigating the system of  Medical Professionals, Education and general everyday life.

They offer support as a bespoke offer, every child who is touched by Autism is so very different as is the support a family may need. 

They work closely with other agencies and during the current Government Guidelines the service they offer has been adapted and support is currently provided via email or telephone.

 

The next runner-up is the 1st Cramlington Guides   

Throughout Covid-19 lockdown, Ann Angus and Donna Gibson from 1st Cramlington Guides have continued to engage the girls in activities.

They have posted packs to girls and sent resources via WhatsApp.

Parents have really appreciated the extra activities to keep their girls busy during lockdown, but from a Guiding perspective it’s been great to keep the girls interested in Guiding activity when they couldn’t meet face to face.

They have managed to award 64 badges, challenge badges and skills builders during the time, which is just fantastic!

Division Commissioner  Erin Stewart said “I am very proud of what Ann and Donna have been able to achieve under difficult circumstances.” 

 

And the Charity Champions are….The Hope Centre

 

The Hope Centre serves not only the community of Cramlington, it also reaches out and assists other organisations in south east Northumberland.

Many people know that the Foodbank is there but they also offer other services. 

They have a fully stocked free Schools Uniform Bank for all local schools.

They also have a well stocked Nursery room with equipment and clothing for children up to 12 months old. 

They have a self supporting bereavement group and a small knitting and crochet group and are in the process of setting up a mental health and well being group. 

Led by manager Joyce Docherty, the Hope Centre has an amazing group of volunteers who willingly give time and effort, and the success of the enterprise is due in no small part to their efforts.

Well done to the Hope Centre.

Your commitment to Cramlington and the wider district is rightly acknowledged by you winning this award.