September 18, 2025
Harrison Foundation partner named North East Small Charity of the Year
At last week’s North East Charity Awards, we were delighted to see our partner, Cornerstone Benwell, named North East Small Charity of the Year. This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication of Amy and the Cornerstone team, their volunteers and the community they serve.
Based in the West End of Newcastle, Cornerstone Benwell has become a vital part of local life, offering support, services and opportunities to some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Among its many initiatives is the Sturdy Foundations Dementia Project, which provides people living with dementia with practical, hands-on activities designed to build skills, confidence and social connection.
Earlier this year, the Harrison Foundation was proud to support this project with a donation to fund new DIY equipment, including workbenches, storage units and tools. This investment has enabled Cornerstone to run regular sessions that are both practical and therapeutic, helping participants to regain a sense of independence while enjoying group learning.
Winning North East Small Charity of the Year is not only a celebration of what Cornerstone has achieved to date, but also a validation of the charity’s approach. By combining community care with skills-based workshops, Cornerstone is showing what grassroots charities can do when given the right support.
Operations Manager Amy said: “This recognition is a huge honour for us and a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers and community. But, most importantly, it would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders and partners. Your belief in our work has enabled us to grow, strengthen our services and continue to support those who need us most here in the West End of Newcastle.”
Daniel Harrison MBE, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, added: “Well done Amy and the team. I’m delighted to see Cornerstone Benwell recognised in this way. Their work in the West End of Newcastle is inspiring and we are proud to have played a small part in supporting their dementia classes through our recent funding. This award highlights not only the dedication of Cornerstone’s team, but also the enormous value that local charities bring to our communities when they are properly supported.”
The Harrison Foundation is committed to supporting charities like Cornerstone, who deliver practical, life-changing services at the heart of our communities. Their success demonstrates how targeted funding, combined with local passion and expertise, can generate a lasting impact.
Congratulations to everyone at Cornerstone Benwell on their award win and we look forward to seeing how their work continues to grow and inspire in the months and years ahead.