The reception marked the first time finalists had met in person and provided an opportunity to recognise the strength and breadth of work taking place across our communities.

Health finalists in attendance included Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, Lancashire LGBT and Heartbeat North-West Cardiac Care. Representing the Impact category were Key Unlocking Futures, Vision Support Barrow & District and Action on Postpartum Psychosis, while Innovation finalists included Cumbria Health, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Citizens Advice Blackpool.

We were also pleased to welcome organisations awarded a judges’ commendation — Counselling in the Community, New Era North West Ltd, Be The Change Youth Project CIC and Aphasia Support — in recognition of the high standard of submissions received this year.

Speaking at the event, Martin Hartley-Smith, CEO of Spring North, said:

“Bringing our finalists together was an important moment. The scale of commitment and impact represented in the room was clear, and it was right that we took the opportunity to acknowledge the work being delivered across our communities.”

We’re grateful to One Voice Blackburn for welcoming us into their space, and to their team of young people for their support on the night.

The reception marks an important step as we look ahead to the Spring North Awards ceremony in June, where the winner of each category will be announced, alongside a special overall not-for-profit award winner.

Photos from the evening can be viewed below.