Standing Tall wins Prestigious National Award

We're thrilled to share Standing Tall has been named a 2025 Weston Charity Award winner, collecting a support package valued at over £22,000.

Standing Tall is one of 21 ambitious frontline charities working in the fields of community, environment, welfare and youth support that have been named 2025 winners.

The Weston Charity Awards support the vital work of small charities across the Midlands, Wales, and the North of England. Award winners gain free access to ‘Pilotlight 360’ - a remarkable eight-month support programme of charity leadership coaching worth an estimated £16,000.

Expert “Pilotlighters” from private and public sectors offer professional mentoring on topics from income diversification to long-term business strategies. In addition, Award winners receive a grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Christy Acton BEM, Founder and CEO at Standing Tall said:

“I'm so thrilled for Standing Tall to win this award and I'm excited to see how it can help us build our work for the future. It will be great to learn from the other organisations taking part.'

Clare Gough, Director at the Garfield Weston Foundation, commented:

“Congratulations to all this year’s Weston Charity Award winners. Once again, we’re proud to partner with Pilotlight to support these exceptional and varied charities. We understand the ever-increasing pressure on charities to deliver their crucial work. These Awards give them the space to reflect, learn, and forge a path to long-term sustainability and success."

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, added: “Whatever size, charities can have a big impact, but research shows that right now, two universal challenges are income generation and management skills gaps. Thanks to Pilotlight’s partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, these Awards provide the lifeline needed for charities to overcome stumbling blocks and navigate times of uncertainty."

Since launching in 2014, over 200 charities have received Weston Charity Awards. The most recent impact report revealed that six months after participating in Pilotlight 360, an impressive 100% of charity leaders said it positively impacted the effectiveness of their senior management team.

The 2025 winners have diverse missions, working across specialisms including mental health, homelessness, reoffending, poverty, health, neonatal care, community support, equality and diversity, safety, education, parenting, disability, self-esteem, and sustainability.