Celebrating a great year at Hardwick Hall

On January 24th, 2023, we shared the presentation of our Staff Awards with a large audience at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. Here, we review what was a special day for everyone associated with our charity.

The Scene

As was revealed during Ruth Hicks’ overview of our recent financial progress, the growth of the charity during 21/22 demanded that we held this year’s awards at a larger venue. And with the support and sponsorship of PD Ports on board, we identified Hardwick Hall as the ideal location to bring people together.

There were almost 180 people present, as the day began. The majority of our now 70+ staff were able to attend, plus ambassadors past and present, and plenty of guests from outside of the charity. Guests included Rachel Cawthorne, from PD Ports, Professor David Best, author Lucy Nichol, and commissioners from Sunderland, Gateshead and Stockton (Sarah Norman, Julie Sharpe, and Mark Harrison).

The Event

Presenting a wide range of ways in which we support people, and revealing the outstanding statistics that our work has produced, was a proud moment for us as a charity. And while it may have been a challenge for the wonderful staff who took the stage to present these findings, and share stories, each member of staff, ambassador, and volunteer did a remarkable job (especially considering the size of the audience!).

Amongst the many eye-catching statistics featured during the day, was the 301 years of recovery, now combined across the charity between staff and ambassadors. There were also close to 5000 volunteer hours completed across the charity, in 2022, nearly 1000 sessions of Trauma Counselling, and again almost 1000 people supported with recovery across Gateshead, Stockton and Sunderland. When combined with the 280 people, on average, per month at Bedford House, the results alone were inspirational enough to inspire people throughout the day.

And then, of course, were the personal stories, told beautifully through song, poetry, readings, and acceptance speeches. Stories that moved, motivated and continued to capture attention throughout the day.

The Winners

And finally, of course – the awards! Across 8 categories, there were more than 800 nominations in total, prior to the event. People submitted their nominations from both inside and outside of the charity, and spread their praise across all four main service areas of Recovery Connections. And while Peter Da Silva, the winner of the David Jackson Outstanding Contribution Award, was unable to attend in person to accept his trophy, his essential work with local prisons on the day demonstrated the commitment we carry across the charity. And with one month already gone in 2023, we’re already making the difference, and telling the stories that will inspire next year’s event!