The shortlist for the Charity Awards 2019 has been revealed and Over The Wall is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Children and Youth Category!
The Charity Awards is the sector’s most highly-regarded excellence recognition scheme held to identify, recognise and reward those organisations doing exceptional work in all areas of charitable activity.
Awards are given out in ten categories and an overall winner is chosen from the winners in each category. All 28 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn.
Over The Wall has increased the numbers of campers attending its free residential activity camps for seriously ill children from 260 in 2010 to 867 in 2018, with plans to reach 1,500 by 2022. Volunteer numbers have also increased from 339 to 651 over the same period and the impact the camps have on families is keenly felt and communicated. Recent feedback from a parent attending a camp catering for siblings of children with serious illness said: “Thank you so much for all the work that you do. My ears are still ringing with all the chatter about such amazing experiences, adventures, new friends and laughs. One very happy girl delivered home for sure!”
Speaking about Over The Wall’s nomination, awards judge, Su Sayer, said the charity offered a vital lifeline to parents as well as a fantastic experience for children, and 2019 judge Martin Edwards said: “It’s a very good project and Ofsted have rated them outstanding, which is hard to come by.”
Over The Wall CEO, Kevin Mathieson said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Charity Awards. Our camps provide an amazing opportunity for young people and families to come together, have fun and relax, without having to worry about their health condition. Camp truly is a transformative process and we are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised in this way.”
The ten category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on 5 June, held in the grounds of the Tower of London.
