We received a record number of nominations for the Welsh Charity Awards, find out who was victorious this year.
The Welsh Charity Awards, organised by WCVA, recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.
At our awards ceremony on 25 November 2024 at National Museum Cardiff we celebrated all the amazing finalists and announced this year’s winners. The journalist and BBC presenter Jennifer Jones hosted the ceremony, and the actor Michael Sheen, President of WCVA, also attended the evening and made an address to the finalists.
Read on to find out about the winners and runners up for the 2024 Welsh Charity Awards.
2024 WINNERS & RUNNERS UP
Volunteer of the year (volunteers aged 26 or over) – sponsored by The Open University in Wales
Winner: Carmen Soraya Kelly
Carmen Soraya Kelly (known to friends as Soraya) has devoted herself to supporting disadvantaged children, young people, and families, providing essential resources and transformative programmes like Unite4Youth, which offers mentorship and paid work placements that often lead to permanent employment.
Her advocacy extends well beyond her charity, shaping employability programmes, promoting social justice, and ensuring access to healthcare resources, making her a powerful force for positive change in her community.
Through Soraya’s dedication, she not only meets the immediate needs of a range of people but also addresses systemic inequalities by working with politicians, councils, and health organisations.
Runners up:
- Hazel Lim
- Matthew Steele
Young volunteer of the year (volunteers aged 25 or under) – sponsored by Hugh James
Winner: Molly Fenton
Molly Fenton, founder of ‘Love Your Period’ is a passionate volunteer and advocate for menstrual health and youth empowerment in Wales. Molly works tirelessly to break stigmas, distribute period products, and amplify youth voices in policy discussions.
Despite her own health challenges, Molly’s impactful collaborations and public engagements inspire young people to be active in shaping a better future, for themselves and others.
Her honest, often humorous, insights make her both a relatable and inspirational role model for young people. Molly is a remarkable young volunteer leader who has demonstrated, very effectively, the importance of young people participating in conversations that impact their lives.
Runners up:
- Tyler Agyapong
- Reece Moss Owen
Fundraiser of the year – co-sponsored by Zurich Municipal & Thomas Carroll
Winner: Diabetes UK Cymru, campaign ‘Rewrite Peter’s Story’
Beth’s fundraising and advocacy work with Diabetes UK Cymru, in memory of her son Peter, has raised over £100,000 and driven systemic changes in Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis across Wales.
Her ‘Rewrite Peter’s Story’ campaign provided essential resources to every GP practice, saving lives and establishing sustainable pathways for early detection.
Through Beth’s persistence in campaigning, she has left a sustainable legacy and continues to change policies and practices to save lives in Wales.
Runners up:
- Mudiad Meithrin Grants Team
- Milford Youth Matters
- Tenovus Cancer Care: Challenge Event Team
Champion of diversity – co-sponsored by AP Cymru & South Wales Autism Assessments
Winner: Mudiad Meithrin
Mudiad Meithrin has championed equality and anti-racism in Welsh-medium early childhood services through various initiatives, for example providing professional training, diverse cultural resources, and mentoring programmes for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority writers.
Their efforts include a comprehensive strategy to embed inclusivity, create anti-racist toolkits, and increase workforce diversity, making them a leader in promoting fairness and belonging in Wales.
Projects like the ‘Dwylo’n Dweud’ programme introduced sign language to young children, and resources like ‘Cymru Ni’ highlighted the contributions of Black people in Wales.
Runners up:
- Welsh Refugee Council
- Be.Xcellence CIC
Use of the Welsh language – sponsored by Mentrau Iaith
Winner: The Outdoor Partnership
The Outdoor Partnership (TOP) is a bilingual charity empowering Welsh-speaking communities to engage in outdoor activities through initiatives like Bant â Ni and community-based clubs, which have grown from 15 to over 150 since 2005.
With a Welsh Language Scheme endorsed by the Welsh Language Commissioner, TOP prioritises Welsh in all communications, develops essential Welsh-language resources, and has increased Welsh-speaking instructors in the sector from 4% to 25%, completely transforming the perception of outdoor pursuits in Welsh cultural life.
Runners up:
- SPAN Arts
- NSPCC Cymru Schools Service
Most influential small organisation – sponsored by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales
Winner: Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales
Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) has made significant strides in advocating for better female healthcare, playing a key role in developing the forthcoming Women’s Health Plan for Wales while empowering individuals with lived experience to share their stories and influence policy and practice.
Their unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare for women has fostered a supportive community and led to tangible improvements in both policy, services, and individual healthcare experiences across Wales.
Runners up:
- Carmarthenshire People First
- Daring to Dream
Health and wellbeing – sponsored by Leaderful Action
Winner: St Giles Cymru – Aspiring Champions Project
The St Giles Cymru ‘Aspiring Champions’ Project supports vulnerable young mothers (ages 14 to 24 years) and their families in Rhyl. It combats the risks of exploitation – including into gang involvement and crime – through empowerment, mentorship and skill development.
By utilising a lived experience model, led by Stacey, a remarkable support worker who has overcome her own challenges, this initiative has transformed the lives of 32 families, helping them break the cycle of poverty, addiction, and abuse.
Ultimately, the programme fosters community resilience and creates a supportive network where participants learn to navigate challenges together.
Runners up:
- Megan’s Starr Foundation
- Sporting Memories Wales
Organisation of the year – sponsored by The Open University in Wales
Winner: FareShare Cymru
FareShare Cymru turns an environmental problem into a social solution by redistributing surplus food to over 260 community groups, providing over 2.1 million meals to 28,295 people weekly and saving the voluntary sector an estimated £2.6 million.
Through pioneering programmes, strong partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, they empower communities and enhance well-being across Wales.
Their dedication, flexibility, and innovative solutions have had a profound impact on communities across Wales, improving health, reducing waste, and empowering local organisations to strengthen their services.
Runners up:
- The Game Change Project CIC
- Tempo Time Credits
- Area 43
- Kidney Wales
THANK YOU
We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part in the Welsh Charity Awards this year. The work volunteers and voluntary organisations in Wales do is incredible and it’s an absolute privilege to celebrate it.
Congratulations to all our nominees, finalists and winners.
We’re looking forward to next year’s ceremony already!