According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘wellbeing’ is ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy’. Volunteers can help with wellbeing through giving their time and supporting people to deal with issues and problems they may be experiencing, so they feel better about their lives. The difference that such volunteers make to people’s wellbeing is clearly demonstrated by the inspirational nominees receiving recognition in this category.
HIGHLY COMMENDED –
Sarah Nixon and Adam Martin
Sarah initially joined the adult reading group at Lye Library as a member, but her enthusiasm and ideas were so fantastic, she was soon asked to help run the group.
She gives members who need it a lift to the reading group, knits the most beautiful things she gives as presents and there’s rarely a month goes by without one of the reading group going home with a bag bulging with homegrown rhubarb, a chilli plant or a bunch of flowers.
Her nominator said:
“Sara has been nothing short of inspirational. I do the nuts and bolts organising the group, ordering and issuing books etc., but it’s Sara’s imagination, research into possibilities and the time she spends turning these ideas into wonderful opportunities that made this group so special. She has really put us on the map and within 4 months we had a group of 28 and a waiting list!
Sara has made it no ordinary reading group, this is a lifelong support group that encourages the best reading in us all. Every member of this group says it has made the most incredible difference in their lives.”
Adam helps and supports clients with an acquired brain injury at Headway. He runs computer sessions, but also helps with anything that’s going on, particularly technical things.
Adam makes a huge difference to the clients, as nothing is too much trouble for him. All the clients look up to him and they know he will answer any problems they may have.
His nominator said:
“He inspires me so much as he has an illness himself, but continues to come to Headway and support others. He is a kind and considerate person, and deserving of recognition for his efforts.”
MAIN AWARD –
Helen Coll
Helen volunteers as a generalist advisor at Stourbridge CAB, supporting clients with issues such as debt, housing, benefits, employment etc. She has also taken on additional responsibilities including: a subgroup, which is responsible for recruiting new volunteers to the service: a training subgroup which sets out the 12 month training plan for CAB volunteers: the Lottery Committee, which was responsible for writing a successful funding bid to fund financial capability work across Dudley borough and she is the volunteer representative for Stourbridge CAB at district meetings, putting forward the views and opinions of volunteers at that bureau.
Not content with that, she has also undertaken two research projects this year, one around the link between people in debt and mental health, and the other around fuel poverty. Both sets of research will be used to support future funding bids.
Her nominator said:
“We are so grateful and lucky to have someone with such dedication volunteering for our organisation. Attending the various meetings and compiling research has taken her numerous hours, in addition to the time she already spends as a volunteer advisor.”
Please click on the picture below to watch a film about Helen:
Dudley Volunteer Awards 2013 