Awards for two Elizabeth FitzRoy volunteers

Two of Elizabeth FitzRoy Supports volunteers have been recognised for their efforts. Gail Challinor and Heidi Crew received certificates at the Volunteering Awards 2011 ceremony, which was organised by the East Hampshire branches of Community First and the Volunteer Centre, and took place in April at East Hampshire District Councils offices at Penns Place in Petersfield.

 

Gail won the Volunteering in the Community Award, has been a volunteer for Elizabeth FitzRoy Support since November 2007. She is pictured receiving her awards from Rt Hon the Countess of Clarendon, Deputy to HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

 

A valuable member of the team, Gail works as an Assistant Receptionist six mornings per month. Laura Hayward, Senior Administrator, who nominated her said: ``Gail is a delight to work with. Shes always reliable and has contributed to the team by helping on numerous administration tasks. Gail brightens everyones day, whenever shes in, with her cheerful and outgoing personality.``

 

Heidi Crew, aged 18, received a certificate of recognition for her voluntary work at Elizabeth FitzRoy Support at the ceremony. Heidi, who is studying for her A levels at South Downs College, found out about Elizabeth FitzRoy Support through a friend who works at East Hampshire District Council and has been volunteering at On Track in Petersfield since August last year.

 

Heidi helps to run On Tracks Art Group on a Tuesday morning and is one of the most popular members of the team among On Tracks members. Caroline OBrien, a Support Worker at On Track, Petersfield Disability Resource Centre (PDRC) and The Phoenix Centre in Havant, nominated Heidi and said, Heidi is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the team. Shes highly creative always brings new ideas for the Art Group to try. Were really lucky to have her, especially as shes currently so busy with her studies.

 

A spokes person for Elizabeth FitzRoy Support said: ``We are hugely grateful for the massive contribution of practical help and companionship which our volunteers bring to the people we support and is preparing to thank all its volunteers as part of the annual Volunteers Week celebrations (1 to 7 June). 

 

``Our volunteers get involved in a number of ways to make a difference to the people we support, whether its offering companionship as a home visitor, sharing their skills as an activities assistant or joining in with some of our group sessions. Volunteers join us from a couple of hours a month to several days each week.``

For more information about volunteering with Elizabeth FitzRoy Support contact Jim Apted, Community Development Coordinator, on 01730 711111 or jim.apted@efitzroy.org.uk or visit www.efitzroy.org.uk/volunteering

 

 

£18 billion the estimated volunteer time to the UK economy in 2010
22 million people volunteer each year 
In 2008-09, 71% of adults in England volunteered at some point, with 47% doing so more than once a month 
96% of volunteers say they 'really enjoy it' 
62% of volunteers started volunteering because they wanted to improve things / help people 
86% of Volunteer Centres have seen an increase in the numbers of enquiries in the last year 
87% of employers think that volunteering can help career progression.

 

Source: www.volunteersweek.org.uk/About+the+Week/volunteering-facts-and-figures-