We are delighted to announce that MAST has received the award for ‘Charity Collaboration of the Year’ at this year’s Charity Times Awards. Each year the awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the charity and non-profit sector.
The aim of MAST is to work with individuals who are at risk of frequent hospital admissions, reducing pressure of NHS Emergency Departments. MAST, which is delivered in partnership with The Cellar Trust, Project 6, Hale, Keighley Healthy Living and Carers’ Resource, provides specialist support to patients, before and after discharge, both on the ward and then in the community to improve wellbeing and remove barriers that may lead to readmission.
Kim Shutler, Chief Executive of the Cellar Trust said:
“MAST is a perfect example of what can be achieved through partnership working, collaboration and dogged determination. This would only have been possible with the brave, innovative commissioning across Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, this way of working is the way forwards in the health and care sector.”
Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Bradford Council said:
“This is a great achievement for everyone involved and we are very proud of what the teams have accomplished. In the Bradford district we recognise that collaboration is central to tackling many complex social issues, and it’s good to see this approach being rewarded.
“MAST highlights the importance of shared values across all the agencies involved, and working in partnership in this way allows our practitioners to fully understand complex care needs and provide more successful outcomes for people.”
In 2023 MAST worked with 3656 people, supporting them with needs around mental health, substance use, frailty and other social barriers. The team includes specialist works form each of the partner organisations, sharing resources and expertise. Since it first began delivery, the project has expanded and now has a presence in Airedale General Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Professor Mel Pickup, CEO of Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundations Trust said:
“MAST is a brilliant example of a collaborative working across the NHS, voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and local government. The team are a real asset within our hospital, helping us to deliver better support for the people of Bradford District”
Caroline Britton, Director of Operations at Project 6 said:
“This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the team member that make MAST such an effective service. It demonstrates how community-rooted organisations are perfectly placed to respond to the local need and can play a vital role in improving people’s lives.”
The awards ceremony took place on 25th September at Grosvenor Square, London and was attended by representatives of the charities in the MAST partnership. We’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in MAST and especially to Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership for continuing to fund this service.