Eating Distress North East (EDNE) has had the impact of our current services and future ambitions recognised with our selection as a 2024 Weston Charity Awards winner.
The award gives us the chance to invest in our 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.
EDNE 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. Other local/regional charities to be selected are Handcrafted and Northern Heartlands.
Anne Fry, Chief Executive from Eating Distress North East said:
“We’re thrilled that the impact of EDNE’s work is being recognised and supported by the Weston Charity Awards. Eating disorder rates are increasing and as the only specialist charity in the region supporting people and their loved ones affected by eating distress, we have seen huge rises in the numbers of people who need support.
Our involvement with business experts through the Awards will enable EDNE to become more ambitious and entrepreneurial, deliver our three year strategy for growth and development, and continue to provide vitally needed services into the future”.
In congratulating Eating Distress North East, 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 Eating Distress North East 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.”
