Caring and Sharing Rochdale, a Rochdale charity that provides practical support and empowerment for people from marginalised backgrounds, has had the impact of its current services and future ambitions recognised with its selection as a 2024 Weston Charity Awards winner.
The award gives the charity the chance to invest in its future with strategic planning support from a dedicated team of four business experts, thanks to pro bono charity Pilotlight, and a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Caring and Sharing Rochdale was chosen from over 180 applicants, all of which are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare, community or environment services in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales.
Nicky Iginla from Caring and Sharing Rochdale said:
“We are honored and delighted to receive this award, which comes at a critical time for our charity. Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our services, and this support will enable us to expand our programs and reach even more vulnerable individuals. We are eager to work with the Pilotlight team to develop a strategic plan that will help us achieve our ambitions and create a lasting impact in our community.”

In congratulating Caring and Sharing Rochdale, Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of Trustees at Garfield Weston Foundation said:
“In today’s world, the challenges facing communities are more complex than ever. We’re proud to partner with Pilotlight to support the 24 outstanding charities selected, who are finding innovative ways to combat issues ranging from rising inequality to threats to our natural environment.”

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, the charity which is connecting Caring and Sharing Rochdale with a team of coaches drawn from a range of businesses and other organisations said:
“The Weston Charity Awards provide a lifeline to smaller charities on the frontlines of changing social and environmental needs. Pilotlight is excited to offer our expertise in helping these charities develop strategic plans for the future, ensuring they can maximise their impact and navigate uncertainty.”

A full list of Weston Charity Awards 2024 winners in the North West and a description of their primary services follows.
- Caring and Sharing Rochdale
Caring and Sharing Rochdale is a registered charity that provides practical support and empowerment for people from marginalised backgrounds, with a special focus on Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Communities who grapple with the harsh realities of their backgrounds.
- Community Solutions
Community Solutions (CS) is a community hub at the heart of its community supporting vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged people to improve their health and wellbeing, and to overcome crisis or significant life transitions through co-designed and bespoke support packages, delivered at a pace suited to each person.
- The Peter Pan Centre
The Peter Pan Centre works to give children with special educational needs and disabilities the best start in life and their families the support they deserve. Providing exceptional care, support and education to children from birth to age five with a range of special educational needs, Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
- Veterans in Communities
Veterans in Communities (VIC) exists to enable ex-forces personnel, emergency services personnel and their families to be a part of their local community. It offers a range of services to support individuals through peer supported activities, such as weekly arts and crafts groups, breakfast clubs/cafes, VIC Choir, walks and outdoor activities and learning opportunities.
We encourage you to stay updated through Caring and Sharing Rochdale’s social media channels so as not to miss any future news.