Charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers will be honoured on Thursday, October 16, as part of this year’s Welsh Charity Awards at Principality Stadium. Pembrokeshire has earned three nominations this year at the Welsh Charity Awards.

Two of these go to Milford Haven-based Megan’s Starr - one for Most Influential Small Organisation and the other for Organisation of the Year. The third nomination goes to Redberth Croft CIC in Tenby, who has been recognised under the category of Champion of Diversity.

The Welsh Charity Awards are an opportunity to shout about the voluntary sector in Wales, and give stand-out organisations and individuals some well-earned recognition. It is the only dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the entire voluntary sector in Wales, championing the positive difference made by organisations and volunteers like Redberth Croft CIC and Megan’s Starr.

Judges shortlisted Megan's Starr for the remarkable impact they have achieved since being established by 2023 Volunteer of the Year winner Nicola Harteveld following a personal tragedy. The Pembrokeshire-based organisation has delivered extraordinary results, providing over 2,000 counselling hours to those in need, creating seven employment opportunities for young people, mobilising more than 25,000 volunteer hours, and distributing over 5,000 meals to support the local community.

Judges shortlisted Redberth Croft CIC for their outstanding work as a community farm in a rural setting, where leadership from those with personal lived experience drives a mission centred on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their efforts focus on supporting and empowering individuals who face additional learning needs, mental health difficulties, or experience social disadvantage, while their collaborative partnerships have helped foster anti-racist and anti-stigma values throughout the local area.

Commenting on their two nominations, Megan’s Starr’s Nicola Harteveld said:

‘As a team, these nominations are a tremendous honour that celebrate the heart and soul of our work. Each young person, every volunteer, and every family member who finds hope and belonging at Megan’s Starr is part of this incredible journey.

‘This nomination is a powerful testament to the resilience of our community and the limitless impact of kindness. It inspires us to dream bigger, to support more, and to build an even stronger, more compassionate future together.’

Commenting on their nomination, Daisy Coleman, Founder of Redberth Croft CIC said: ‘Being shortlisted for the Welsh Charity Awards in the Champion of Diversity category is incredibly meaningful to us. Redberth Croft CIC was built on lived experience and this recognition affirms the power of inclusive, grassroots-led change.

‘It’s a reflection of the strength, resilience, and creativity of the individuals we support, many of whom have turned their challenges into opportunities to lead, grow and inspire others. Winning would not only celebrate our team, but it would shine a light on the importance of co-producing solutions with those often left out of traditional systems.’

Speaking ahead of this year’s ceremony at Principality Stadium, WCVA’s Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said: ‘The Welsh Charity Awards isn’t just a celebration, it’s an enormous thank you to the people and organisations who do great things in our communities. These are the people holding our nation together, with kindness, volunteering, inclusion and unwavering helpfulness.

‘Times are tough at the moment, especially for charities and community groups. Our finalists are just a few of the thousands of people bringing hope among the chaos. They rise to challenges, make things work even when it feels impossible and they do it with no thought of reward. Let’s shine a light on what this means and give a proper da iawn!’

The Welsh Charity Awards celebrate just some of the amazing stories of the difference made by charities and volunteers across Wales. For the full list of finalists, please visit the Welsh Charity Awards website.