Seven-year-old Daisy-May, who is currently Little Miss Galaxy UK, uses her pageant platform to make a positive difference in her community and to raise awareness for causes that matter to her. She is especially passionate about supporting 4Louis, a charity that helps families who have lost a baby or child by providing memory boxes and emotional support. Over the last 12 months, Daisy-May has raised £2,500 for the charity, bringing her total to £10,000 raised over the last three years.

At the age of 12, Jacob embarked on the Hadrian’s Wall Walk, raising more than £1,500 for the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, having previously completed the Lake District 3 Peaks Challenge for the same charity and the Lake District Mountain Rescue Dogs. In addition to this, he has also raised funds for the Great North Air Ambulance. Now he is setting his sights on new challenges including a 24-hour cyclethon, showing his desire to “pay it forward” and give back to the community that has supported him.

Kye Cunnington was a much-loved student at Boldon School, who tragically passed away from leukaemia in December. His loss rocked the school, and Kye’s Kick Off Group was formed when four friends wanted to do something positive in his memory. They aimed to raise money for a good cause and celebrate Kye. A football match between Year 9s and Year 11s raised £4,100 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The young people are keen to organise more fundraising events in Kye’s memory and continue building their skills by supporting charity.

Nine-year-old Talia Proud is actively involved in community service and dedicates her time to helping others. Talia volunteers at Cornerstone Benwell, where she plays a vital role in assisting the elderly with their shopping and delivering food to people in need. She also helps at The Welcome Project, where she supports adults with learning disabilities with their arts and crafts and cookery activities.

Her Circle specialises in issues related to complex motherhood and women’s recovery from trauma and abuse. The organisation is based around supporting women’s wellbeing, amplifying their voices and positively impacting systems change for women to better meet their needs. In the last year the group has also contributed to national research and attended parliament on several occasions to speak on behalf of women who experience complex motherhood and child removal.

The Children’s Foundation was established in the 1990s with the aim of changing the situation that saw children in the region have the worst health outcomes in the country. Over the past three decades, The Children’s Foundation has grown into a driving force for child health and well-being in the North East, creating and delivering impactful, evidence-based projects that meet the evolving needs of local families. Its current flagship initiative, the Baby Box project, is a world-first project that aims to offer hope and an arm round the shoulder for new parents during those first 1001 critical days.

Founded in 2018, the Young Women’s Film Academy is the only women and girls film academy in the United Kingdom. The organisation gives girls and young women the space to tell their individual stories and the creative skills to communicate their ideas. The films and digital content aim to encourage debate, deeper thinking and social action. This year saw the group crowdfund for the Paving Paradise project, a documentary film that is being used as a learning resource for schools and youth and community groups.

The board of Chopwell Regeneration CIO are driving and overseeing a community-led transformation of their village into a confident, thriving community. The goal of the organisation is to establish a regenerative local economy where wealth, opportunity and power stay within the community, and for local people of all ages and backgrounds to thrive, have strong aspirations and fulfil their potential. The board brings lived experience to the organisation and has exercised strong leadership, governance and decision-making, mixing financial prudence with calculated risk-taking.

The board of trustees at Citizens Advice Northumberland brings together governance expertise, strategic vision and commitment to community impact. The board’s mix of professional skills has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s direction and ensuring its resilience. Their collective leadership has enabled Citizens Advice Northumberland to evolve into a forward-thinking organisation capable of responding to complex community needs. 

Emmaus North East was set up in 2007 to support homeless people, providing both housing and person-centred support. Its work has expanded to include three shops, a furniture upcycling workshop, a house clearing service and the country’s only free community laundry. The board of trustees brings together a range of different skills, and has recently formulated a new strategic plan to ensure the organisation’s sustainability. It has also developed new Articles of Association approved by the Charities Commission.

Impact Family Services has been a lifeline for families across the North East for nearly 40 years, helping survivors of domestic abuse find safety, healing, and hope. Its board of trustees has had to respond to a loss of income and chose to meet the challenge head-on to ensure the organisation’s work continues. A new three-year strategic framework has been launched that includes the launch of a new social enterprise. The work of the trustees helped the organisation navigate the financial uncertainty and meet increased demand for its services.

Alex’s journey to becoming a theatre technician at Northern Stage reflects a willingness to embrace the unknown, an outstanding work ethic and an ability to adapt and learn. After securing a place on Northern Stage’s 18-month technical apprenticeship, Alex showed a proactive approach to learning that saw him achieve a double-distinction in his final assessment. Colleagues say that his commitment to improving his craft sets him apart from others at the same stage of their career.  His engagement in initiatives like Northern Stage’s Tech Club also shows that he is serious about helping other young people break into the cultural sector.

David brings a range of experiences to his work, with colleagues describing him as someone who “believes in people before they believe in themselves.” He is currently undertaking the Homeless Link Aspiring Leaders Programme as he aims to refine his leadership skills and deepen his understanding of sector-wide systems. Over the past 12 months, he has been instrumental in helping transform Community Ventures (Middlesbrough) Ltd into one of the most dynamic, responsive, and impactful community-led organisations in the region.

Jachi is a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who moved to England to further her education. Her journey has been driven by a commitment to social justice and a vision where barriers caused by inequality have been removed. Since joining Foundation For Good in County Durham in 2023, she has progressed from a part-time youth worker to operations manager, overseeing the day-to-day running of a number of vital community services. Colleagues say that she is “inspired by the chance to make a meaningful difference by empowering individuals and communities to overcome barriers and build a fairer, more inclusive future.”

In 2023, Penny secured a peer research role with NE Youth at the age of 17. Today, she is a young leader making real change happen. Channelling difficult teenage experiences into positive change, Penny has become a fearless advocate for young people who is unafraid to hold professionals accountable where challenge is needed. In the last year she has gained a qualification in youth work and has been involved in learning about research and ethics and putting those skills into use through the Peer Action Collective research project on serious youth violence.

Digital Voice is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has delivered digital inclusion projects across the North East, nationally and internationally since its inception in 2007. The organisation works with groups at risk of digital exclusion, including the financially vulnerable, older people, looked after children and young people with SEND. The group’s projects improve confidence, self-esteem and community cohesion, as well as giving people the freedom and wider choice that comes from being digitally included.

Operating from a head office in Gateshead, Veterans At Ease has grown into a network of charity shops across the UK, some of which also house the charity’s therapy centres. The social enterprise strengthens local communities by providing employment for 40 full-time and part-time staff, as well as contributing to the main Veterans at Ease charity. The last year has seen work on a new “mega-shop” and therapy centre in Middlesbrough, as well as the opening of a cafe facility at its Gateshead base.

Over the past year YMCA North Tyneside has introduced YMCA Gym, a social enterprise with more than 2,000 members and over 60 classes each week. The organisation’s core mission is to strengthen people in its local community and create an inclusive environment where everyone can be healthy, happy and connected. The gym also provides comprehensive cancer rehabilitation for those undergoing or post-treatment and is currently working with 40 members of the local community.

Curious Arts is a small organisation created to champion LGBTQIA+ communities across the North East through creativity, advocacy and meaningful change. The organisation delivers festivals, community engagement and a corporate training programme that reaches thousands every year and has been adopted by some of the region’s largest organisations. Curious Arts’ work goes far beyond celebration and is about change through high-impact programmes designed to shift systems, create safer spaces, and ensure that queer lives and voices are not just seen, but valued.

Stepney Bank Stables has supported children and young people from disadvantaged North East communities since 1992. The stables help young people build confidence, resilience and practical skills that enhance their future prospects. It also provides a safe haven and a place where friendships are formed. The organisation is rooted in Newcastle’s industrial heritage, being the last remaining working stable in the Ouseburn area and a visible reminder when horses were used in local industries.

The Sunday for Sammy Trust is dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and preserving the region’s rich cultural identity. Established in memory of North East actor Sammy Johnson, the Trust provides financial support, mentorship and opportunities for young performers who might otherwise face barriers to pursuing a career in the arts. Since its formation in 2000, the Trust has awarded hundreds of grants to aspiring artists and technicians from across the North East. 

The Glasshouse is a uniquely North East success story that has welcomed more than eight million visitors since opening in 2004. As well as being a concert venue, The Glasshouse is a creative hub whose purpose is to use the power of music to change lives and open opportunities for people across the North East, regardless of their background. This year it has established Music City Newcastle Gateshead with Generator, working collaboratively to strengthen the region’s music sector and position it on the national stage.

Abi Conway is an accomplished leader whose career spans frontline advice and senior leadership within the voluntary and community sector. When she took over as chief executive at Citizens Advice Northumberland in 2017, the organisation faced significant challenges, including a substantial budget deficit. She has grown and diversified the organisation’s revenue, increased staff and volunteer numbers and the organisation now supports more than 40,000 people each year. Her leadership is said to exemplify a blend of ambition and community-rooted care.

Bob and his daughter Kirsty were driven to help change the experience for families coping with miscarriage, stillbirth and child bereavement after Kirsty’s first child Louis was stillborn. The charity started with the creation of memory boxes to give to bereaved parents but 15 years on, it has expanded its role to ensure that many families are supported. The organisation currently supports 200 NHS Trusts and 100 hospices nationwide from its base in Sunderland. Bob leads locally but also inspires volunteering nationwide, and has national and international roles helping set stands for bereavement care in hospitals and hospices.

Carol is described as a charismatic leader who inspires individuals and teams at Pioneering Chief Partnership. Through her 12-year tenure as chief executive of the organisation, she has grown user numbers significantly and increased turnover by more than 400%. Carol also shares her experience with other voluntary groups and acts as an enterprise adviser and a school governor. In the last 12 months, Carol has overseen a major refurbishment at PCP’s healthy living centre, which has included the installation of a hydrotherapy pool.

Joanne has transformed the Young Women’s Outreach Project into a welcoming, safe and inclusive place for the young women and girls of Gateshead. As chief executive, she brings three decades of expertise in the youth and community sector, which continues to fuel her vision for systemic change and gender equity in services. Her leadership ensures young women co-design group programmes covering topics from self-esteem and healthy relationships to sexual exploitation and independent living. Under Joanne’s leadership, the project secured a landmark Big Lottery grant and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022.

Engineering firm CMP Products selected Anxious Minds as its charity partner and set a target of raising £25,000 to support its work. Staff at the Cramlington firm have organised and taken part in a number of fundraising events, but have also provided hands-on staff support at the Anxious Minds’ Forestry School and community drop-in centres, helping to improve and maintain essential spaces where individuals can access nature-based therapy, mental health support, and a sense of belonging. 

Redcar-based Cygnet Law has supported charities including Dementia Action, Age UK and the Middlesbrough Football Foundation. The company aims to live its CSR commitments with Christmas collections, fundraisers and more. It also offers pro bono legal advice to individuals within the communities they serve. Its partnership with local charity The Junction has helped the organisation to build capacity and evolve its services.

The Sage Foundation aims to break down barriers so that everyone can thrive, working with local organisations, schools, and non-profits to raise aspirations and open doors to careers in technology. The organisation reflects Sage’s pride in its North East roots, and has worked with partners including the Newcastle United Foundation on its NU Futures programme. The partnership has included technology donations, career support and STEM engagement, as well as volunteering support from Sage staff.

Stiller Warehousing and Distribution aims to place people at the heart of everything it does, including community partnerships where the business can offer not just funds, but real expertise, infrastructure, and long-term support. Stiller first connected with The Children’s Foundation in 2017 and has supported its Baby Box project with logistics support since then. In 2025, the 2,000th Baby Box was delivered thanks to Stiller’s support, changing the lives of vulnerable families across the region.

Cornerstone Benwell is a community charity at the heart of Newcastle’s West End which supports local residents by running events, groups, and activities. The charity focuses on education, mental health and enrichment, and access to healthy food. Its community café offers hearty meals at very low cost, as well as serving as a welcoming space for people facing isolation. It also runs a clothing and homeware shop where everything costs just 50p, and a memory cafe for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Full Circle Food Project is a grassroots charity based in Ashington which is dedicated to tackling food insecurity while nurturing education, wellbeing and community empowerment. In the past year, it has worked with 2,648 people, with sessions including cooking classes and community gardening to celebrations and seasonal family days. As well as activities open to the public, it has also responded to public health needs with targeted sessions for older adults, people seeking asylum, and learning-disabled adults.

Spectrum Holidays was founded by Sophia and Malcolm Cainsworth following their experiences of trying to holiday with their son, Luca, who is autistic and has sensory processing difficulties. It has two holiday homes in Northumberland which have been adapted to meet the needs of disabled children and include a sensory area, sensory equipment and communication resources. To date, it has helped more than 3,000 families access successful and meaningful respite holidays in its holiday homes.

Unfolding Theatre uses inclusive theatre to bring people together, strengthen communities and build social cohesion. Since 2008, it has championed a collaborative approach that places underserved communities at the centre of the creative process. The company believes in theatre’s ability to amplify unheard voices and bring people together through shared experiences. The last year saw more than 11,000 people attend its events, many of them from groups previously unlikely to engage with the arts.

Adam Ball has become the first person with cystic fibrosis to complete The 13 - a challenge that involves crossing 13 publicly accessible lakes in the Lake District. He has used the challenge to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. His efforts have seen him featured on national TV and other media and he has begun motivational speaking in schools. In the process he hopes to re-write the story that is so often told about people with CF, showing that resilience, grit, and community can turn adversity into power.

David Hastings has supported RNLI for 49 years, currently serving as honorary secretary of its Durham Branch. His fundraising activities range from large-scale corporate partnerships to community initiatives, with the Durham branch raising more than £500,000 since 1997. He is also a passionate advocate for community engagement and water safety and over the past decade, he has delivered more than 350 community presentations, reaching over 8,500 people.

Gerry Hunwick has been the driving force behind Elswick Community Pool and Gym being established as an independent charity and leisure centre run by, and for, the community. After initially mobilising the campaign to stop closure of the pool, he brought together local people and politicians to take over the building. He has often worked full-time at the pool, putting his own career on hold to pour all of his energy into the project. The pool sees more than 900 children learning to swim each week and has more than 300 members.

Mary Dodds is a trustee of Quinn’s Retreat, which supports families who have been affected by suicide. Having been affected by the issue herself following the death of her daughter Morgan, Mary has offered a range of support to the charity, promoting its work widely and securing corporate support for its projects. This year Mary helped create the North East’s Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt, which is touring the region before joining other memorials in London.

CREST is a grassroots charity in South Tyneside that was established to challenge racial inequality and promote social justice for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the area. Its core mission is to promote equity, opportunity, and inclusion by supporting individuals who face challenges such as racism, language barriers, unemployment, poor mental health, digital exclusion and poverty. Many of its service users are refugees, asylum seekers or migrants who have been granted leave to remain. 

Feeding Families believes no one should face the fear and indignity of not knowing where their next meal is coming from. Last year it distributed more than 28,000 food boxes through a network of 366 trusted partners that includes schools, housing associations, NHS teams and grassroots charities. The last year has seen it forge partnerships with other North East charities, as well as transforming its Christmas appeal to work with more families than ever.

Gosforth Civic Theatre is the UK’s only theatre founded and run by people with learning disabilities. With the aim of ensuring people with learning disabilities are valued members of society. Its cafe provides work placement opportunities and it welcomes local community groups into its studio space and theatre each week. The charity’s work aims to alter expectations and self-perceptions about what people with learning disabilities can achieve and enable them to develop higher aspirations for themselves.

For more than over three decades, The Junction has provided support for children, young people, and families facing complex challenges across the Tees Valley. Its services include mental health and emotional wellbeing, youth employment support, specialist children’s transport and open access hubs. In the last year it has helped almost 150,000 people and this year has worked with Amazon to develop a ‘multibank’ offering items that include clothes, hygiene packs and household goods to people in need.