Award delight for charity team in successful year of honours
A CHARITY team are celebrating a successful year with another award win.
Volunteers and staff at the Rossendale Trust have been picked as Charity of the Year by the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.
This follows the trust, which cares for adults with learning and physical disabilities, achieving a gold standard Investors in People award, which celebrates organisations which create a good working environment for staff.
Sue Heaven, head of PR and fundraising at Rossendale Trust, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic tribute to all of the people who work for the charity, who are providing great care and support to adults with learning disabilities.
“Becoming Charity of the Year is a great honour shared by everyone at Rossendale.”
The award was presented to the trust, on Hollin Lane, Sutton, at the Chamber’s annual awards dinner, held at Cranage Hall. The accolades are important milestones for the charity, which has grown after being started by two local families who saw an urgent need in Macclesfield for support for people with learning disabilities.
In the late 1960s Alan and Mary Chapman felt there was little support for families such as theirs looking for respite services for their son Richard.
The Chapmans heard the same story from other parents, including Ernie and Barbara Hyde.
Alan and Mary had the idea of looking for a house which could be converted into a respite home.
They discussed the plan with Ernie and Barbara and the families decided they would pool their resources.
In December 1972 Rossendale Hall and Lodge was offered for sale and they submitted an offer.
Since then facilities have grown to include the Oakwood Centre, which offers various educational opportunities.
Sue said entering the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise awards helps to offer more opportunities.
She said: “We enter for these awards to raise the profile of the trust and to build partnerships with the business community.
“Working together on ways to include our tenants in the business world is proving to be a great experience for all parties involved, breaking down barriers and growing understanding.”
The trust aims to give its residents work experience in the community.
Edward Graves, who is a tenant at the trust, said: “This Charity of the Year Award will help us to do more things.”
If you would like to know more about the Trust call 01260 252500 or visit rossendaletrust.org.