Long-standing charity one of few chosen to receive funding to tackle challenges among the community

The Doddridge Centre in St James, which supports and empowers the community by hosting a variety of events and initiatives, has been recognised for the impact of its current services and the ambition of future plans.

It has been selected as a 2024 Weston Charity Awards winner, meaning they will receive support from a dedicated team of business experts and a grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

The Doddridge Centre was chosen from more than 180 applicants, all of which were frontline charities delivering youth, welfare, community and environment services across the North, the Midlands and Wales.

Trustee Graham Croucher, who has been part of The Doddridge Centre for the past 14 years, said: “Being recognised and among the winning twelve percent of applicants is an absolute testament to the work and commitment shown by our staff, volunteers and trustees.”

He says the great thing about the award is the 12 months of expert mentorship, thanks to pro-bono charity Pilotlight.

“That will help the charity maintain and develop its commitment to its charitable aims,” added Graham. “And make us more sustainable for the future. We are humbled, proud and grateful to receive it.”

Centre director Rachel Bott says it is always pleasing to be recognised, but the bonus here is the opportunity to develop and hone their skills to improve their offering moving forward.

Describing the “stiff competition”, Rachel said: “Thank you for seeing in us something that is worthy of further development and success.”

The Doddridge Centre, along with the 23 other chosen recipients, was praised for finding innovative ways to combat issues that matter most among our community.

Only recently did the Chronicle & Echo report that this long-standing charity of almost three decades was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand if the team can raise £40,000.

Having the opportunity to move into The United Reform Church will sustain the charity’s future, by enabling them to continue hosting community engagement events and giving people a warm space to utilise.