Humble hens, heroic humans – and now, a national prize to prove it.
The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) has been crowned winner of the Animal Welfare category at the prestigious National Charity Today Awards 2025, recognising two decades of tireless work rehoming ex-commercial hens and changing the way the nation thinks about chickens.
“This is a win for every volunteer, adopter and supporter who believes hens matter. From the early days of one small collection point to passing the millionth hen milestone, it’s been a community effort — and we’re just getting started.”
Jane Howorth MBE, BHWT founder
The BHWT’s millionth hen was rehomed last year, with none other than His Majesty King Charles III. The charity is on track to rehome around 50k hens this year alone, with the help of 40+ regional teams, a small core staff, and an army of passionate volunteers.
Lee B. Rayment, the Founder of the National Charity Today Awards, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to see The British Hen Welfare Trust recognised with this year’s Animal Welfare Award. The organisation’s tireless dedication to improving the lives of hens, promoting responsible rehoming, and raising awareness about animal welfare standards truly embodies the spirit of compassion and commitment that these awards are designed to celebrate.
“Their work has inspired countless individuals to take action and shown what’s possible when empathy meets determination. Congratulations to the entire team on this thoroughly deserved achievement.”
This year’s ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West on Wednesday, 15 October, with Sinclair Method UK as the headline sponsor. The awards have grown in stature each year and are now recognised across the UK voluntary sector as a marker of real impact.
You can watch the video from the Charity Today Awards, featuring Heather Elven and Jane Osgathorp, who represented us on the night and were interviewed shortly after winning.
🏆 About the Charity Today Awards
Now in their tenth year, the Charity Today Awards are run by the team behind UK Charity Week, one of the UK’s biggest awareness campaigns for the third sector. Each year, the awards highlight outstanding individuals, organisations and causes making a difference — from hospice care and food poverty to youth services and animal welfare.
To adopt hens simply visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click ‘adopt’ next to the location nearest to you. Alternatively, call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.
