As part of Kirklees Council’s celebration of Volunteer’s week (1 – 7 June 2017)) some of Kirklees most inspirational and extraordinarily dedicated volunteers will be presented with a trophy by the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Christine Iredale on Tuesday 6 June 2017.
Together they have given over one hundred years of service to support children, families and people with disabilities. The volunteers will receive a personalised trophy at a ceremony at the Town Hall at 4:30pm.
Vera Stanley, at 92 years of age may be Kirklees’ oldest volunteer. Her enthusiasm for her volunteering role with Public Health is as great as when she started 25 years ago. Parmajit Bains who nominated Vera said: “Vera has made a massive contribution to campaigns to improve people’s health. She is meticulous in her work; a lot of the time going above and beyond what is expected. Vera is an example to us all and is a joy to have around the office”
Volunteer and trophy winner Stephen Barber has been the friendly face of the Kirklees Shopmobility service for 26 years. Carly Munro of Age UK said: “He is known by everyone using this service. He brightens up our waiting area and welcomes people coming in to find out about help for themselves or their relatives. Our Kirklees shop wouldn’t be what it is without Stephen.”
Also receiving an award is June Barrow, who has volunteered at the Phoenix Youth Club in Holmfirth for the past 50 years, supporting 1000’s of 13-19 year olds through a variety of activities.
Sarah Robinson was nominated for volunteering at Auntie Pam’s which offers mums-to-be in Kirklees support, information and guidance. Over the last two years, Sarah has inspired other local women to become volunteers and to undertake additional learning to help them build confidence and move into further education or employment.
David Quarmby is chairman of the Kirklees Visual Impairment Network (KVIN) and receives an award for tirelessly supporting the development of the group and increase inclusivity.
Another recipient is Jan Eliasz, a family support volunteer with Northorpe Hall Child and Family Trust. Jan’s volunteering role involves supporting families to become more resilient and make positive changes in their lives. His work is of a very high standard and his commitment to this kind of role, over this many years, has been exceptional.
Mary Sharpe is being recognised for running the Almondbury Disabled Leisure Group. The group provides social and leisure activities for disabled people and their carers. Over the past year, Mary has faced some challenges but she has continued to volunteer to ensure the group continues to run.
Cllr Christine Iredale, Mayor of Kirklees said: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to meet and thank these wonderful people who have given so much to help others. Volunteers are so important in making communities across Kirklees better places and providing support and friendship to people who are lonely or facing challenges. With over 30 million hours a year given by volunteers in Kirklees, they really do make the difference”
Details
List of award winners
- June Barrow –Volunteer at Phoenix Youth Club
- Sarah Robinson – Volunteer with Auntie Pam’s
- David Quarmby – Chairman of Kirklees Visual Impairment Network
- Jan Eliasz – Family Support Volunteer at Northorpe Hall
- Vera Stanley – Public Health Volunteer
- Mary Sharpe – Almondbury Disabled Leisure Group volunteer
- Stephen Barber – Mobility Service Volunteer at Age UK
To find out more about volunteering in Kirklees please visit www.iminkirklees.org.uk