Kelly’s Heroes named joint charity partner of the year by Rushden Lakes

Kelly’s Heroes is delighted to announce that we have been selected as one of Rushden Lakes’ Joint Charity Partners of the Year for 2026/27, alongside Northamptonshire Association for the Blind (NAB). The partnership follows a competitive application and selection process in which local charities were invited to share their mission, impact and vision for how they would make the most of the opportunities available through the Rushden Lakes Charity of the Year programme.

Running throughout 2026/27, the partnership will provide both charities with a range of support designed to increase awareness, engagement and fundraising opportunities across the local community. Benefits include social media and digital promotion, customer donation points, access to outdoor event space, use of the Rushden Lakes Community Sheds, on-site advertising opportunities and much more, all provided free of charge.

For our charity, the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to reach more people across Northamptonshire and ensure that those who may be struggling with their mental health know that support is available.

As a Northamptonshire-based mental health charity, we are committed to ensuring that no one faces mental health struggles alone. Through education, awareness, training and direct support services, we work to reduce stigma and provide practical help to individuals, families and communities across the county.

Denae Naylor, Community & Engagement Assistant at Kelly’s Heroes, said:

“On behalf of us all at Kelly’s Heroes, we are thrilled to have been chosen as one of Rushden Lakes’ Charity Partners for 2026/27. For us, awareness and support are at the forefront of everything that we do. In order to raise awareness and support those who need it most, we need people to know who we are and what support we can offer. At Kelly’s Heroes, we believe no one should ever face mental health struggles alone.”

“We are excited to see what comes of this fantastic partnership opportunity. We hope you’ll join us throughout the year, raising awareness through fundraising events, wellbeing events or simply just saying hi and having a chat. This partnership will make a real difference to those who need us most. We can’t wait to get started.”

Rushden Lakes received applications from charities across Northamptonshire, highlighting the strength and diversity of the county’s voluntary sector. Following a shortlist process and presentations to the Rushden Lakes team, Kelly’s Heroes and NAB were selected as the two organisations that will benefit from the partnership over the coming year.

The Northamptonshire Association for the Blind has supported people living with sight loss across the county for more than 100 years, providing practical advice, emotional support and wellbeing services that help people live independent and fulfilling lives. Throughout the year, visitors to Rushden Lakes can look forward to a programme of fundraising events, awareness campaigns, community activities and volunteering opportunities supporting both charities.

We are incredibly grateful to the Rushden Lakes team for recognising the importance of mental health support and for investing in local charities that are making a difference within our communities.

We look forward to working together throughout 2026/27 and engaging with visitors, businesses and local residents to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone.  Keep an eye on our events page and subscribe to our newsletter to find out when we’ll be Rushden lakes.