Hadston House wins national award for its work in the community
Hadston House has won a national award for its work in the local community.
It has been awarded the ‘community’ prize in the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.
Scott Dickinson, managing director of Hadston House for the past 18 years, said: “We were genuinely surprised and incredibly proud to receive this news. To be selected as the overall winner for the community sector, particularly from such a large national field, is something we never expected.
“I want to sincerely thank whoever nominated Hadston House. For someone to take the time to put us forward and recognise the work happening here means a great deal to us.
“This award belongs to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and the residents who shape and use our services every single day. It is for them that we dedicate so much time and effort, both inside and outside of work, to make everything happen.”
He added: “It has always been personal to me. I came here as a young person. I watched Hadston House being built and knew that when it faced financial difficulty in 2008, I had to step in and help. I originally came for six months - and I’m still here today.
“Before being a local councillor or anything else, I was working here and delivering for local people. I am immensely proud of everyone past and present who has worked here, supported here or donated here. Without them, none of this would be possible. I will work tirelessly to ensure Hadston House continues to serve our community for many years to come.”
Established in 1997, Hadston House has grown into a vital community hub serving residents across Druridge Bay and surrounding areas.
From youth provision and luncheon clubs to Meals on Wheels, employment support and wellbeing programmes, the organisation continues to evolve to meet local need while strengthening long-term sustainability.
John Shepherd, site lead at Hadston House, said: “Our users value our services immensely, and the impact on their lives, as described by them and their families, is incredibly touching. You cannot put into words what it means when people share their stories with us. That is why everyone works so hard to raise funds and deliver outstanding services.
“The work behind the scenes is often unnoticed. The commitment of the team writing funding applications and raising money to ensure our services survive is immense, especially in the current climate.
"The support from our community and the dedicated leadership of Scott and the team, who give so much of their personal time, is truly amazing. I feel lucky to be a local lad who has developed and been part of the team for eight years, making a difference to the community I grew up in.”