We are proud to announce this year’s winners and runners-up for the ScottishPower Foundation Awards 2020. The announcement was made on Twitter during our Virtual Awards Day on 1 December 2020.
Education Award
Recognises the exceptional efforts of charities who are working to encourage learning and education in all its forms. The winning project clearly demonstrates how they are raising aspirations, promoting inclusion and broadening horizons.
Winner - Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland
Crowned this year’s winner for its work to ensure children with spina bifida are fully included in education and can enjoy a positive learning experience.
“The ScottishPower Foundation has generously supported our education work since 2017 and we were delighted to be one of only three education projects in the UK to be funded in 2020. Spina bifida and hydrocephalus are low-incidence conditions; to have the support of the Foundation and the opportunity to highlight our projects and services to a much wider audience means so much. “ “We are grateful to everyone at the Foundation for recognising our work with young people & schools with the education award. The past few months have been a tough time for everyone but this is wonderful news. Thank you! “Deborah Roe, Director of Fundraising
Runner-up - Bangor University (Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership)
Recognised for its efforts to increase higher education participation from previously under-represented groups, through creative and innovative learning.
“This award will build on our Bright Sparks project, which has supported nearly 2000 primary school pupils in areas of deprivation across north and mid Wales. The additional funding will go towards a family learning project across the area – using the Bright Sparks formula – to raise aspirations into STEM subjects. “
Community Engagement Award
Recognises the work of charities who have made a positive impact to both their immediate target group and the wider community, working in partnership to enact long-lasting change.
Winner - South Tyneside Churches KEY project
The judges chose the project for its efforts to prevent youth homelessness and support people in hardship.
“This has been a year like no other; during the pandemic we have seen a huge increase in demand for all our services. While we have had to creatively reimagine how our projects are delivered, our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable within our community has remained unchanged. We are delighted to win this national award which recognises the tireless efforts of our staff, volunteers, and all our supporters. “ “We intend to use the prize fund to provide a range of mental health wellbeing activities for all the young people and families we support. Good mental health is essential to our overall mission, which is to help those facing homelessness or hardship achieve their full potential, contribute to their community, and lead happy, successful lives. “Ross Allen, Executive Lead at KEY Project
Runner-up - Starcatchers Productions Ltd
It was recognised for its support for families most negatively impacted by the pandemic and more likely to experience greater levels of isolation.
“As a result of the pandemic our community engagement is delivered outdoors and we're delighted that this prize money will be put towards purchasing Covid-19 safety equipment and materials so that families and artists can make the most of arts activities outside during the winter. “Rhona Matheson, Chief Executive, Starcatchers
Innovation Award
Celebrates projects that address a community need in a unique and innovative way. The winner shows resilience and ingenuity to overcome problems, welcome new ideas and think out of the box to find inventive solutions.
Winner - Acorns Project
Crowned the winner of the Innovation Award for its expansion into Northumberland to deliver play therapy to children affected by domestic abuse and violence.
“We are delighted to have won this award, which will enable us to help even more children who have experienced domestic abuse in Northumberland. We are hugely grateful to the Scottish Power Foundation for the support and recognition of the vital work we do. The award is a testament to the dedication of our team and to the courageous young people we work with. “Julia Parkinson - Counsellor / Psychotherapist and Recovery Team Co-ordinator, Northumberland
Runner-up - Whizz-Kidz
Applauded for its remote assessment and delivery service to ensure disabled children received tailor-made mobility equipment to help improve their quality of life despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“The prize funding will provide adapted trikes for five children through our innovative remote mobility assessment and build service that provides tailor-made and life-changing mobility equipment right to the child’s door. “Ella Joy, Trust Fundraiser
Charity Champion Award
Awarded to an outstanding individual who has gone the extra mile to help a charity achieve its goals. The ScottishPower Foundation Charity Champion exemplifies what the organisation stands for and strives to inspire, support, and motivate.
Winner - Donna Mackey, The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland
Donna was crowned Charity Champion for her work to evolve the service so it could continue to support isolated elderly citizens at home during the pandemic.
“Since the suspension of our community clubs due to COVID-19 we have had to adapt the way we work so that we can continue to support our members, their carers and our volunteers through these really challenging times. It's been exciting to be a part of lots of new projects looking at how we adapt our resources to continue the sporting conversation and support older adults be active at home. “ “Now more than ever we need to lead the way and demonstrate to our members how they can move more every day and incorporate different activity into their daily routine whether they are at home or out and about in their local area. It's inspiring to see how our members and volunteers have embraced our new approach, grasped new technology and got stuck in with a variety of new exercises. I really hope it makes a difference to those that need it most. “Donna Mackey, Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland Partnership Manager
Runner-up - Lucy Abbeels, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland
12-year-old Lucy raised over £6,000 for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland while receiving ongoing support from the charity herself.
“I am so happy and excited to have been nominated for this award and pleased to be a finalist. “Lucy Abbeels
“The charity means a lot to us as a family and we have experienced their work and support first-hand and know how vital their work is. “Jeannette Smith (Lucy Abbeels’ Mum)