Mayor’s Civic Award for Scarlett’s Helping Hand

An Alnwick Town Council Mayor’s Civic Award has been presented to a Shilbottle charitable organisation that supports local vulnerable families.

Scarlett’s Helping Hand was founded by Ashleigh Duke, her husband Benjamin and their daughter Scarlett in 2020, in response to families struggling with Christmas after the Covid lockdowns.

Since then, they have distributed thousands of donations such as emergency food parcels, baby items and household essentials.

Mayor Councillor Geoff Watson is seen presenting the award to Ashleigh and Scarlett, now age 12. Cllr Watson said “It was a pleasure to meet Ashleigh, Benjamin and Scarlett and hear how their efforts that began during the pandemic have continued to this day with support from many local businesses and individuals. This award is well-deserved.”

In return Scarlett, on behalf of her family, thanked the Mayor for the award and the recognition of the work that they do.

Pictured, from left, Ashleigh, Mayor Cllr Geoff Watson and Scarlett.