Time To Change West Cumbria has won Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster's (BECBC) charity of the year for 2024.

The social enterprise, a member of the business cluster since 2016, focuses on alleviating homelessness and poverty in the region.

The new award comes from the BECBC as part of its programme to increase awareness and fundraise for the not-for-profit organisation, further extending its reach within local businesses.

Time to Change offers comprehensive support to individuals in need, thus helping them transition into a brighter future.

It aims to address the pressing problem of homelessness which – as Lee Grears, chair at BECBC pointed out – not only deprives people of basic necessities, but also triggers a cycle of instability leading to more challenges such as mental health issues and addiction.

Mr Grears said: "We are thrilled to welcome Time to Change as our 2024 charity of the year.

"The incredible work they do tackles a pressing issue in our community, and these partnerships provide BECBC with an invaluable understanding of the important work that is going on community-side."

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Alongside supporting its chosen charity, BECBC unveiled a new online platform this year to enhance collaboration and support between members.

BECBC CEO, Dianne Richardson, expressed her vision for the next year, aiming to foster member's involvement and to provide more opportunities through the use of the new online platform alongside regular meetings at different locations in the county.

Rachel Holliday, founder and CEO of Time to Change West Cumbria, regards the recognition as a means to increase awareness about homelessness in West Cumbria.

She said: "BECBC making us the charity of the year will not only help us financially but it will help us educate people on homelessness and the issues in our communities and hopefully create a ripple effect of kindness."

After a successful year with The Freedom Project, a local domestic violence charity, BECBC has chosen Time to Change as its 2024 beneficiary, recognising its commitment and actions towards supporting the needy and homeless in the West Cumbrian community.