Haringey charity Chief Executive wins Benefact Group’s Charity Leader of the Year Award
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Haringey-based charity Ambitious about Autism, has been named Charity Leader of the Year at the Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards. Recognised for her exceptional leadership, Jolanta has driven vital change, influencing public policy and expanding access to specialist education, helping shape a future where every autistic child can thrive.
Ambitious about Autism has grown from a single school into a national movement, championing rights, delivering specialist education and employment programmes, and creating meaningful opportunities for autistic young people. Ambitious about Autism was one of seven charities from across the UK and Ireland revealed as winners at an awards ceremony at the Tower of London. Each of the winning charities was awarded £5,000 to support their impactful work. Fourteen charities were also announced as runners up1 and each received £1,000 in recognition for their contribution.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Winning this award is a huge honour. Ambitious about Autism strives to build partnerships across the sector to have a bigger impact, and it's wonderful to be recognised for this. These awards highlight a fantastic and wide range of good causes, creating opportunities for collaboration. We are very grateful to Benefact Group for its generous support for charities trying to make an impact in this challenging fundraising climate.”
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “Hosting our first Benefact Group Charity Heroes Awards at the iconic Tower of London was an incredible privilege. It was a humbling, energising and inspiring event where we recognised unsung heroes in the charity sector, and heard how they are changing the world in which we live. There are many incredible charities doing life-changing work in communities up and down the UK, but these seven stood out for their passion, commitment and impact. We hope these awards will support them to continue their brilliant work.
“Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All our available profits go to good causes and the more our family of award-winning specialist financial services companies grows, the more the Benefact Group can give.”
The winners of Benefact Group’s Charity Heroes Awards 2024 were:
Charity leader of the year: Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism – Championing the rights of autistic children and young people.
Small charity, big impact: Tiny Tickers – Improving detection, care and treatment for babeis with serious heart conditions.
Climate action project: OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists) - Engaging young people with the natural world.
Local community initiative: Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund – Offering direct access to mental health counselling for young people in Gravesham.
Volunteer of the year: Luanne Rimmer, Director of Handmade with Love & Making Memories – Supporting grieving parents with handmade burial cribs and clothing.
Digital fundraising initiative: Dogs 4 Rescue – Providing a safe, kennel-free space for unwanted rescue dogs.
Colleague’s choice: Derian House Children’s Hospice – Providing respite and end-of-life care to over 400 children across the North West.
Since 2014, Benefact Group has donated over £230 million to charitable causes and is recognised as the UK’s third-biggest corporate giver. It aims to reach £250 million in donations by the end of 2025.
For more information and to enter your charity for an award visit benefactgroup.com/awards Charity Heroes Awards is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.