Businesses and community partners have been recognised with ‘Hope Honours’ for the vital role they continue to play in supporting charity Oasis Community Housing’s work with local people facing homelessness – at a time when financial pressures are being felt across every sector.
Local businesswoman Laura Gray spoke ahead of the awards presentation, sharing her own story of how Oasis Community Housing’s domestic abuse service helped her regain hope and her self-confidence after the unimaginable happened.
Oasis Community Housing’s CEO Sarah Gorman presented the Hope Honours at the Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge on Friday 22 May, alongside Corporate Partnerships Manager Sophie Barker and Fundraising Engagement Officer Ben Johnston – noting the partnership and generosity of Leonard Curtis, whose sponsorship help make this year’s awards possible.
Sarah said: “Hope is at the heart of who we are, and what we do at Oasis Community Housing. And our Hope Honours are a heartfelt thank you to our valued corporate partners for their long-standing support.
“From sponsorship and fundraising to volunteering and long-term strategic support, our charity-corporate partnerships help us continue supporting people who often have nowhere else to turn. And we look forward to exploring how we can continue to collaborate and build stronger, more resilient communities.”
The Hope Honours reflect different levels of charity support provided by businesses over the past year, with the highest Luminary award presented to Lovell Partnerships for their overwhelming commitment and contribution to Oasis Community Housing’s work with local people facing homelessness.
In 2025/26, Lovell has been a leading sponsor of the charity’s Christmas Appeal, raised funds through a team in the Great North Run and their own fundraising events, as well as volunteering and delivering invaluable brand-awareness raising for the charity by working with regional and trade news outlets to highlight the partnership.
Lovell’s Head of Land & Partnerships, Phil Jones, said: “Having a roof over your head or a stable home to call your own is sadly not a luxury many people living across the UK have – especially during the current ongoing cost-of-living crisis. However, we believe everyone deserves to have a space where they can feel safe, which is why we couldn’t think of a better cause to partner with than Oasis Community Housing.”
The award for Volunteer of the Year went to Dawn Armstrong, who first started volunteering with Oasis Community Housing through her employer Leeds Building Society. Year on year since, Dawn has given her time and energy at a wide range of fundraising events with a positivity and willingness to step in, wherever needed, that makes her a truly valued part of our community.
The Hope Honours were presented at the charity’s annual Black & Gold Ball, which was kindly supported by Leonard Curtis, Northern Print Solutions, the Hilton Newcastle Tyne Bridge, RazorBlue and Big Purple Productions.
Steffen Peddie, stand-up comedian, actor and BBC Radio presenter, hosted the charity Ball, which included additional fundraising games as well as silent and live auctions – with Ball guests raising vital funds for the charity’s homelessness support services across the region.