Member Article

National banking giant nominates local charity for prestigious award

A Northumberland-based mental health charity has been nominated for a prestigious national award by banking giant, Barclays.

Blyth Star Enterprises, which provides living support, work experience and day services for people living with learning disabilities and mental health issues has been nominated for a Social Entrepreneur award at the Barclays High Growth and Entrepreneur Awards 2017.

The annual awards ceremony honours organisations across the country for their entrepreneurial prowess and provides businesses with a platform to share their success stories with like-minded individuals from across the business community.

Despite having endured a number of financial struggles in the last few years, Blyth Star Enterprises has not just survived, it has thrived against adversity. Gordon Moore, chief executive officer at Blyth Star Enterprises, said:

“In recent years, many charities have found themselves in financial difficulty following budget cuts, changes in administration and a general downturn in the economy.

“Although it has at times been extremely challenging, by diversifying our service offerings, we have managed to save Blyth Star Enterprises from going to the wall and we have come out the other side in a stronger financial position than ever before.”

With the entry window for the awards now closed, Blyth Star Enterprises is now waiting to hear whether it has been shortlisted for the regional final. After selecting a regional winner for each of the six categories, Barclays’ judging panel, which is made up of senior Barclays staff, will select an overall national winner for each category which will be announced at an exclusive awards ceremony on 11 October.

Gwyneth Storey, Newcastle and Northumberland Relationship Manager at Barclays, said:

“Having worked closely with Blyth Star Enterprises over the last few years, I have learned a lot about the great work that they do within the region and I felt that it was time they received some well-deserved recognition for it.

“Blyth Star Enterprises has worked incredibly hard to get the organisation to where it is today and they absolutely deserve to be nominated in the Social Entrepreneur category. I wish them the very best of luck going forward and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the regional judging in August!”

“We are delighted to have had our hard work and determination to keep the organisation going recognised by Barclays. On behalf of our staff, volunteers and service users, we would like to thank Gwyneth for her kind nomination,” Gordon concluded.

Established by a group of parents and carers in 1987, Blyth Star Enterprises was founded on the basic principles that everyone should have somewhere to live, somewhere to work and someone to care. Through the provision of day services, work experience training programmes, life coaching and supported accommodation, Blyth Star Enterprises is actively helping over 300 service users to live more independently within their own communities.

To find out more about Blyth Star Enterprises, visit www.blythstar.org.uk.

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