STAR Awards 2008

Last year our National STAR Awards were held in London at the end of November. Actor, explorer and larger than life character Brian Blessed presented the awards to our winners. The awards ceremony is a key date in our diary because it gives us an opportunity to recognise the contribution and achievements of clients, partners, employers and staff alike. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.

2008 Shaw Trust Achievement and Recognition Award Winners

Local Employer of the Year: Demelza Hospice Care for Children

The Demelza Hospice has been working with Shaw Trust since the beginning of 2008 yet has managed to transform the lives of clients who have been out of work for many years. “I was amazed to see the transformation of one of my clients working for Demelza,” comments Michael Foster. “Before joining Demelza he was quiet and nervous. Now he will make eye contact and even initiate a conversation. When Manager Robbie Allen or his colleague Jane Nash interview my clients they always put them at their ease,” continues Michael. “Our relationship with Demelza is going form strength to strength.”

National Employer of the Year: Wilkinsons Retail

This large retail group with 280 stores across the UK has been working closely with Shaw Trust for five years. Since the decline of the engineering industry in the late 1970’s Gainsborough has become a very deprived area. Jobs are hard to come by and just finding voluntary placements for clients has proved very difficult. This all changed when a Wilkinsons store opened in a new shopping centre in the area. From the outset store manager Nick Brown has worked closely with Shaw Trust to recruit from the surrounding area. Nick’s unfailing support has been extremely valuable and has helped increase Shaw Trust’s profile with other retailers in the area.

Partner Organisation: Phoenix Futures

Phoenix Futures has helped turn thousands of lives around and, thanks to the unique and special partnership Shaw Trust has with education officer John Cameron, many more people with drug and alcohol problems will be assisted in finding employment in the future. All of the clients Shaw Trust works with through this charity are supported emotionally and sometimes financially through the provision of basic clothing and study books. Paul McAvoy, their nominator, comments: “Without John’s input we would never get the chance to work with this very special group of people who have worked through some very large demons to get where they are today.”

Workplace Mentor: Joanne Budd

Jo and her team go out of their way to make our clients feel comfortable with their surroundings and with Jo’s help many have been able to go on to find full and part time sustained employment. One example of this is Mark, a client who hadn’t worked for many years. Mark was extremely nervous about his placement in Jo’s department but with her support and encouragement his confidence and self belief improved tremendously and week by week he took on more responsibility. Mark has now been working for Jo for over a year and is very happy to be working again.

Volunteer: Brenda Jones

Brenda Jones has been with Shaw Trust for longer than most paid members of staff! She originally came to the Trust as a client and joined a soap making project. With asupport she made the transition from client to volunteer and began supporting new clients as well as running craft making stalls selling soap. Now Brenda works as a volunteer office assistant, answering phones and filing. Even though Brenda is past retirement age she works tirelessly for the Trust and is an invaluable member of the team.

Member of Staff: Cath Moran

Cath is the lead artist on a project where all the volunteers have severe mental health issues. According to her nominator, Cath’s “pioneering work, commitment, drive and passion in the world of art and mental health has been magnificent and many people have been helped because of her hard working and selfless efforts.” With Cath’s help many of her clients have been able to improve their employment options. Cath’s ultimate goal is to break down the barriers and stigma attached to mental health.

Individual Achievement Awards: Positive Progress Award – Nadia Urbano

Nadia was referred to Shaw Trust by her School Welfare Manager. Disconnected from education, she was having a very difficult time at school. Shaw Trust placed her with a local training provider to enable her to gain skills in hairdressing – a career she was interested in. Despite many difficulties at home Nadia persisted with her training and has been accepted on to an NVQ 2 Hairdressing course which starts in September. Nadia’s determination and motivation to succeed, despite the barriers she has encountered, have been an inspiration.

Changing Lives Award: Frank Duffie

Frank Duffie is the driving force behind Bankie Talk, an award winning and free talking newspaper, magazine and library for people with visual impairments. Frank, who is registered blind got involved in Bankie Talk on a voluntary basis. His enthusiasm and devotion to the project soon became apparent and he was asked to become the Chairperson. He has been instrumental in moving the project to new premises and raise funding for much needed equipment. He has recently secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund for a magazine for young visually impaired people which is now popular internationally.

Determined to Achieve Award: Keith Burgess

Fifteen years ago Keith Burgess gave up work due to his heavy drinking. Determined to beat his addiction Keith sought help from the Alcohol and Drug Service. Fifteen years on he is now working in a care home and is being considered for a trainee manager position. According to Lorraine Gibbs, his nominator, he is a “fabulous advocate for what Shaw Trust Pathways to Work means to our clients.”

New Beginnings Award: Carolann Hockney

Carolann was born with Retinitus Pigmentosa, a condition which causes blindness. It was not diagnosed until she was 15 years old and she was branded ‘clumsy and lazy’ at school. She left without any qualifications. “I didn’t know anything like Shaw Trust existed back then. I felt useless and didn’t fit in with any group,” she said. Then, a few years ago Carolann discovered Shaw Trust and decided to gain some qualifications. She is now skilled in Swedish massage, aromatherapy, hot stone therapy and reflexology. This year she plans to study Indian head massage and offer her skills on a voluntary basis in the area of palliative care. In her own words: “For the first time I feel like a normal person.”

Turning Point Award: Michael Beckley

47 year old Michael watched a close friend almost die from Cocaine induced respiratory failure. As a homeless drug addict himself he knew that he had to change his life. After spending several months in rehab Michael began working as a volunteer for several organisations. Realising his potential, one of these organisations offered him full-time paid employment and he has never looked back. Michael is now running a fantastic project that supports recovering addicts through the use of music. He also works with young people in troubles areas around Swindon and as a relief project worker for the rehab centre that “saved his life.”

Special Recognition Award: Shaw Trust Retail Shop Volunteers

The volunteers who work tirelessly for Shaw Trust, particularly in our retail shops are crucial to our work. Without their commitment, we would not be able to benefit from the income generated which enables us to support more disabled and disadvantaged people.

 

 Back to Recent Events