Ward Hadaway announce their new Charities of the Year

Ward Hadaway Announces New Charity of the Year Partnerships Across the North

Ward Hadaway is proud to announce the local charities selected for support via its Charity of the Year programme in Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle—regions where the firm has long-standing offices. Over the next two years, teams across these locations will be working closely with their chosen charities to raise vital funds and offer hands-on support.

Staff in each office took part in nominating and voting for causes close to their hearts. The results are now in:

• Leeds will support Yorkshire Air Ambulance,

• Manchester has chosen Early Essentials, and

• Newcastle will partner with The Children’s Foundation.

Plans are also underway to identify a Charity of the Year for Ward Hadaway’s recently opened Birmingham office, with an announcement expected in the coming months.

The Charity of the Year programme forms a core part of the firm’s commitment to giving back to the communities where its people live and work. Over the next two years, colleagues will take part in a range of fundraising initiatives—both in and outside the workplace—and many will also dedicate time through the firm’s paid volunteer days.

Meet the Charities

Yorkshire Air Ambulance

A vital emergency service for the region, Yorkshire Air Ambulance operates independently from the NHS and receives no direct government funding. The charity relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to stay airborne.

With two airbases at Nostell, near Wakefield, and RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, the charity operates three state-of-the-art H145-D3 helicopters. Each flight crew includes a skilled pilot and medical professionals who deliver advanced trauma care at the scene of emergencies before transporting patients to hospital.

Ward Hadaway is honoured to support their life-saving work across Yorkshire.

Early Essentials

Founded in Manchester a decade ago, Early Essentials provides essential items to new mothers and their babies who are facing significant hardship. What began as a grassroots effort inspired by a church-led initiative has grown into a national network known for its thoughtfully packed newborn starter kits.

These kits—created entirely from donated items and funds—include nappies, baby clothes, toiletries, and even Moses baskets, offering both dignity and relief to vulnerable families.

The firm’s Manchester office is proud to stand behind Early Essentials in their mission to support mothers in crisis.

The Children’s Foundation

Established in 1990 in response to alarming levels of child ill-health in the North East, The Children’s Foundation has grown into a cornerstone of early-years health support in the region.

The charity famously raised £12 million for the creation of the Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health—now part of the NHS—but continues to operate independently and without statutory funding.

Among its many projects, the foundation distributes “Baby Boxes” filled with developmentally focused toys and books, partners with hospital outpatient departments to ease children’s anxiety, and runs innovative fitness programmes like “Couch to 2k” for young people referred by paediatricians.

The Newcastle office is excited to help expand the impact of this pioneering organisation.

To kick off the new charity partnerships, Ward Hadaway relaunched its wellbeing initiative Walk This May, encouraging staff in all offices to take a one-mile lunchtime walk. For every 150 walks completed, the firm donates to the Charity of the Year in that region—combining wellbeing with fundraising in a meaningful way.

Over the past two years, Ward Hadaway supported Martin House Children’s Hospice (Yorkshire), The Cindy Appleyard Foundation (North West), and The People’s Kitchen (North East), raising funds through events including dragon boat races, quizzes, golf days, and community barbecues.

With a new line-up of charity partners and plenty of initiatives planned, Ward Hadaway looks forward to another two years of giving.