ACCRINGTON charity Maundy Relief has won a major national award for its work tackling poverty and helping people in dire need.

It was chosen from more than 400 charities across the UK as one of the 10 winners of the 2020 GSK IMPACT Awards. The awards are designed to recognise the outstanding work of small and medium sized charities working to improve health and wellbeing in communities.

Winners receive £30,000 as well as expert support and leadership development provided by think tank The King’s Fund.

Lucy Hardwick, Manager of Maundy Relief, said: “We are so delighted to hear that we are winners of a GSK IMPACT Award. It’s a huge honour to win this prestigious national award and we are very grateful that the judges have recognised the value of our work in the local community.

“We are really excited to be given the opportunity to join the King’s Fund programme and we will use what we learn to better serve the people we are fortunate enough to work with.”

Maundy Relief helps people with physical, mental health and financial problems. This includes providing free lunches, household goods and clothing, emergency accommodation, housing and benefits advice, counselling and healthcare.

A spokesman for the charity said: "The people using Maundy Relief’s services often live in extreme circumstances experiencing poverty, physical illness, mental distress and often nowhere else to turn.

"It has a wide reach in the community and acts as both a ‘first port of call’ and a ‘last resort’. Maundy Relief is trusted locally, with many organisations referring people to its services including the NHS, social services, probation services and other charities."

Last year Maundy Relief helped more than 1,500 people. 

This included home visits, nurse-led health appointments, welfare advice and housing support. Its counselling service supports people who are struggling with bereavement, depression, domestic abuse, relationship problems or self-harm. The charity’s Abbey Street building also serves as an emergency cold weather shelter, where homeless people can stay overnight, eat a hot meal, shower and change their clothes.

Lisa Weaks, assistant director at The King’s Fund, said: “Maundy Relief is the beating heart of the community. Staff and volunteers help to tackle the deep impact of poverty and exclusion on some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Maundy Relief staff will receive its award at a ceremony at the Science Museum in London in May, along with the nine other winners.