Big Tick for Castlebeck
Castlebeck members of staff and service users were awarded a “Building Stronger Communities Award” at the Business in the Community Awards 2010 held in Newcastle last night.
They were presented with their award by the BBC Newsreader, Nicholas Owen. Business in the Community is a national charity promoting responsible business practice, and Castlebeck is a member organisation. Castlebeck were awarded the ‘big tick’ for “Building Stronger Communities Award” recognising the innovative partnerships the company has established with community based charities and community groups, and contributing to the regeneration of neighbourhoods.
Castlebeck’s Create project has grown from a partnership between Castlebeck, Darlington Borough Council and the Maidendale Nature & Fishing Reserve Trust into an approach employed through all its services working with thirteen local councils and voluntary organisations. Staff and service users from Castlebeck volunteer their time towards conservation and regeneration activities in woodlands, nature reserves, and wildlife parks nearby the areas in which they live and work.
Hazel Southern, Sustainability Manager for Castlebeck and founder of the Create project said, “I am thrilled to receive this award, and especially delighted for all the volunteers on this project for them to see their hard work being recognised by the wider community.”
Through these activities, Castlebeck has improved the health and well-being of its resident volunteers and staff.
"As well as improvements for staff and service users, the local environment has also benefited. Conservation site visitor numbers have increased, and this has led to our local communities having more positive perceptions of people with learning disabilities."
