Five Bradford charities have received national recognition for their collaborative project aimed at easing NHS pressure.

The MAST (Multi Agency Support Team) initiative was the overall winner in the 'Charity Collaboration of the Year' category at the Charity Times Awards.

The awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the charity and non-profit sector.

MAST, a joint effort by The Cellar Trust, Project 6, Hale, Keighley Healthy Living, and Carers’ Resource, aims to reduce the demand on hospital emergency departments by working with individuals at risk of frequent hospital admissions.

The project provides specialist support to patients before and after discharge, both on the ward and in the community, to improve wellbeing and remove barriers that may lead to readmission.

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."

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."

In 2023, MAST worked with 3,656 people, supporting them with needs around mental health, substance use, frailty, and other social barriers.

The team includes specialists from each of the partner organisations, sharing resources and expertise.

Since it first began in 2019, the project has expanded and now has a presence in Airedale General Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

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."

The Charity Times Awards ceremony took place on September 25 at Grosvenor Square, London, and was attended by representatives of the charities in the MAST partnership.