We are proud to announce that ORL has been chosen as a 2021 Weston Charity Awards winner. They grants panel recognised the impact of our current services which include providing accommodation and support to individuals who are homeless and our future ambitions  

The award gives the charity the chance to invest in its future with a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and ten months of strategic planning support from a team of four business and charity leaders, thanks to the leadership charity Pilotlight. 

One Roof Leicester was chosen from 150 applicants, all of whom are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare or community services in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales. 

The past year has seen significant changes at the charity, due to the pandemic we had to close the night shelter and increase the number of houses in which we provide temporary accommodation. Our ambition is to continue developing One Roof Leicester and increasing safe and secure accommodation for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. 

We are looking forward to working with the team of business coaches from Pilotlight to help us develop our future plans and support our growth.

In congratulating One Roof Leicester Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation said:  

“As the pandemic shifts, we are seeing an altered landscape for small charities. Our selected charities have shown courage and resilience this year in delivering vital services in the face of uncertainty and growing need. This year, more than ever, the Foundation is helping charities shift gear by providing dedicated support for long-term planning.”

Ed Mayo, chief executive of Pilotlight, the charity which is connecting us with a team of coaches drawn from a range of businesses and other organisations said:

“One Roof Leicester has been selected as a Weston Charity Award recipient on the strength of its ambitions and the openness of the leadership team to external perspectives. When we asked small charity leaders in the midst of a pandemic what help they needed from local people and business, two thirds said they were actively seeking skilled pro bono support. Pilotlight’s skilled volunteers have a proud record of helping Weston Charity Award winners to adapt services, diversify income and thrive into the future.”