Leeds GATE Wins Prestigious National Award

Leeds GATE Wins Prestigious National Award

We are proud and honoured to announce Leeds GATE has been named a 2026 Weston Charity Award winner, collecting a support package valued at over £22,000. 

We are one of 22 ambitious frontline charities have been named 2026 winners. 

It’s so brilliant to have the hard work of our staff and membership of Gypsies and Travellers across West Yorkshire recognised. This award celebrates and supports exceptional frontline charities making impact in the fields of community, environment, welfare and youth. 

Our organisation was chosen from over 180 applicants, and was one of only two winners from the Yorkshire and the Humber region.  

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

Ellie Rogers, CEO of Leeds GATE said: 

“We are delighted to have received a Garfield Weston Charity Award. It is wonderful to have the hard work of our staff and members recognised, as well as our impact, our good governance and our commitment to our values. It was very competitive so it is brilliant to have been selected.”  

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

“Warm congratulations to this year’s Weston Charity Award winners. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Pilotlight in supporting an inspiring mix of charities doing vital work. As demands on the sector continue to grow, these Awards help charities take time to reflect, build resilience and plan for lasting impact.” 

Iana Petkova, Interim CEO at Pilotlight, added:  

“At a time of real pressure on the charity sector, these awards provide more than funding. They create space for organisations to gain perspective and insight, think strategically and build for the future.  

We know that when you invest in both people and strategy, the impact goes far beyond a single organisation. It strengthens the whole ecosystem. These awards are about investing in long-term change, not just short-term survival.”

Since launching in 2014, over 180 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.  

Thank you so much to Garfield Weston Foundation and Pilotlight for their support.