Charity of the year: Angel Trust βββ
But opening a food bank and delivering food parcels was simply the start for the trust, which is now set to launch a mental health hub to support people in the area who are struggling with their mental health.
The trust has also opened a shop called the Angel Trust Emporium to help raise much-needed funds. It is staffed by volunteers.
A heart-warming video showing the Emporiumβs well-stocked shelves and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the trust was shown to the audience before Claire McGregor, the trustβs founder, accepted the award.
The win was a popular one, with Claire stepping onto the stage amidst loud whoops and cheers.
βWhen we opened our doors we didnβt know what we were getting into,β admitted Claire, who was bursting with pride.
βWe have such a fantastic and diverse board of trustees who live and breathe this charity β and a fantastic team of staff and volunteers.
βSix years ago I was in a bedroom in Ramside Hall with a borrowed laptop and no money in a bank account β this is how itβs evolved and grown. Iβm so proud.
βAs for what comes next, who knows… I canβt predict the future, but two weeks ago we got a call to ask if we could open our conference room for the homeless. Every week we are evolving and changing.β