On Monday 29th November, Volunteering in Health held an event at Bitton House to celebrate receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year. More than 60 people were in attendance, including several previous volunteers who helped set the charity up more than 10 years ago. Since 2009, Volunteering in Health has worked closely with the local statutory sector to support people to live more independently, empowering people to make long term changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
Deputy Lord Lieutenants for Devon, Robin Barlow and Gordon Evans, presented the award to volunteer driver Richard Winterton and volunteer befriender Nesha Baker. Robin Barlow had personally assessed Volunteering in Health and explained just how impressed he was with their work, making particular mention of the research they had been involved in and which itself has recently won an Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper.
Chair of Trustees, Alwyn Oakley, says: “We are delighted that our work supporting people in Teignbridge has been recognised. Our skilled staff and volunteers are committed and caring individuals and I am proud to be part of this community.”
This recognition comes after volunteer driver, Peter Ward, was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2020 for his community service driving people to their medical appointments. Peter says, “I’m just a small cog in a very big wheel and I feel very honoured and privileged and proud.”
The event was also an opportunity for the Manager of the charity, Chloe Myers, to say goodbye to her colleagues as she will be leaving Volunteering in Health at Christmas after 8 years. Chloe says, “I am very sad to leave what has been a fun, varied, challenging, and interesting role with a fantastic team. I look forward to seeing the charity continue to thrive in 2022.”
Volunteering in Health is always looking for new volunteers to join its team. You can help lonely and isolated people in Teignmouth and Dawlish to live happier and healthier lives.