Awards Win Recognises Power of Community Fund

We’re delighted to win the Corporate Community Local Involvement Award at the Charity Times Awards 2024, after being recognised for our fuel poverty support for Birmingham-based charity Roshni, in partnership with Local Giving.

The award follows the support given to Roshni Birmingham through our Community Matters Fund last winter. The charity received a grant of £10,000 from the fund to buy curtains, duvets and other essential items for its refuge, which is home to women from Black and marginalised communities who are fleeing domestic abuse.

Since its launch in 2021, our Community Matters Fund has awarded £10.5 million to grassroots organisations across our region.

Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We are over the moon to have won a Charity Times award, particularly given the very high calibre of projects in our category.

“The team at Roshni Birmingham provide people in their community with a beacon of hope in the most difficult of times and we are incredibly proud of the support we’ve been able to give to Roshni and hundreds of other deserving charities through our Community Matters Fund. Tackling major challenges like fuel poverty is a collective effort so I’m extremely grateful to our partner Local Giving for helping us to make the fund the success that it is.”

Surwat Sohail, Chief Executive Officer of Roshni Birmingham, and Shaila Pervez, Roshni Charity Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to our dedication, hard work and the unwavering commitment to make a positive impact in our community.

“We extend our sincere thanks to National Grid and Local Giving for nominating us. Your support and belief in our mission inspire us to work even harder. Thank you again for your invaluable support!”