A charity just three years old and one that has been operating for more than 150 years are among the shortlisted entries for the Guardian Charity Awards 2016.
West Kent Befriending Service, founded in 2013, and Providence Row, established in the East End of London in 1860, have both made the last 30 for the awards which recognise excellence in small and medium-sized charities.
This is the 24th year of the awards, which are open only to registered charities with annual turnover of less than £1.5m working to advance social welfare. In all, 764 entries were received this year.
Several of the shortlist are working with refugees and asylum seekers; others, like West Kent Befriending Service, are tackling the growing problem of social isolation and loneliness among older people. Youth work, too, is well represented this year.
The return of homelessness as a pressing social concern is reflected in the inclusion in the shortlist of charities such as Providence Row, which helps people get off “and stay off” the streets.
Five equal winners of the awards will each receive a £3,000 cash prize, an iPad mini, courtesy of Jigsaw24, and development packages from awards supporters Bates Wells Braithwaite, the FSI, Media Trust and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at an awards lunch at the Guardian’s head office in London on 13 December.
Full details of the shortlist here.
For more news, opinions and ideas about the voluntary sector, join our community - it’s free.
