STAR Awards 2009

STAR's shine at local presentations

Our STAR Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements with our clients, partners and supporters and this year we visited each individual winner to present them with their award. We are now pleased to announce this year's winners:

National Employer - Morrisons

In 2009 national supermarket chain Morrisons supported more than 150 Shaw Trust Workstep clients across the country and 85 clients into open employment through our New Deal for Disabled People and Pathways to Work programmes. This level of support from a national commercial employer indicates that whilst Morrisons is a plc it takes its corporate and social responsibility agenda seriously and really wants to support people who face additional barriers back into employment.

One client who is now working for the supermarket chain commented: “It’s not easy coming to terms with a disability and starting a new job that requires new skills but I am very glad I took those first steps. I’m a much more confident person now and am really enjoying my new job.”

Our partnership with Morrisons is a perfect example of outstanding commitment to social responsibility and we thank them for their continued commitment and enthusiasm.

Local Employer - University of Manchester

Since contacting the University of Manchester in 2008 to tell them about our Work Preparation and Work Step Programmes, the University has made a huge contribution to helping transform many of our customers lives by providing them with work placements and giving them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

One of our clients who had never worked before recently completed a work placement and was then offered a paid position at the University. The positive change in her was incredible – she started her placement feeling extremely nervous but ended it with a paid job and new found confidence.

Another client with Aspergers Syndrome completed a placement in the Web Design Department and with the help of the University has now become self employed.

Our relationship with the University has been fantastic for us and our clients and we really want to thank them for helping disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence through employment.

Partner Organisation - Community Matters Shop

The Community Matters shop has been successfully communicating and engaging with the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen in Scotland since it opened in 2005. A team of dedicated volunteers provide information on local services and initiatives and advice in response to a wide range of needs.

The shop’s friendly and relaxing atmosphere creates an environment where the whole community, and in particular the most disadvantaged residents of the local regeneration areas, can feel that they will be supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Community Matters has shown commitment and determination in helping those who need a bit of additional support to get back on their feet and achieve their goals. In the past year alone they have worked with 3000 local residents and 420 local people have been to a Shaw Trust event at the shop. We are proud of our partnership with Community Matters and look forward to continuing our work with them.

Workplace Mentor - Andy Russell

Eastbourne garage owner, Andy Russell, is a very driven man. Not only does he run two busy garages and employs ten local people to work in the business but he also finds the time to mentor vulnerable young people from the seaside town and offer them work experience.

Many of these young people, aged 14-16, are classed as NEET (Not in Education or Employment) and Andy gives them the opportunity to turn their lives around by giving them the chance to see what they could do if they were given a positive break.

Ever modest, Andy says he’s not doing anything out of the ordinary but we know that what he is doing is exceptional and we commend him for his dedication. He really is a star.

“Sometimes all these young people need is a nudge in the right direction,” he comments, “and I am happy to give this to them. We all need a chance in life.”

Volunteer - Jane Jones

Jane’s STAR Award will take pride of place on top of her TV cabinet at her Port Talbot home. Like all of our winners Jane doesn’t think that her dedication to volunteering and helping others is anything other than normal. We disagree of course.

Jane came to Shaw Trust in 2006 and has become an invaluable member of the team. Recognising a need for somewhere for other service users and their carers to make friends, share ideas and socialise, Jane formed a friendship club which has made a lasting impression on many of our clients. Meeting up once a month, the club has helped develop many new and lasting bonds and Jane really has made an impression on people’s lives.

Jane is the epitome of a star and we are so very proud of her achievements. She is modest, hardworking and despite having to overcome her own obstacles never ever complains.

Equality & Diversity - IT Asset Disposal Ltd

In the year that we have been working with Daniel Dyer’s small but growing company, IT Asset Disposal, we have seen five of our customers on our Work Preparation programme progress to full-time employment within Daniel’s business. A further three have gained invaluable work experience. That’s eight lives within Port Talbot, Wales that Daniel has helped to transform.

Daniel’s commitment to promoting an equal and diverse workforce means that our customers, some of whom have never been in employment before, really have been given the opportunity to change their lives.

It is really heartening to see a fledgling, growing company do so much to ensure that diversity is at the heart of its business and we would encourage other businesses to look to IT Asset Disposal as a shining example of how to embrace being completely committed to promoting an equal and diverse workforce.

Member of Shaw Trust Staff - Malcolm Goldsby

Malcolm Goldsby is one of our longest standing members of staff. Respected and admired by all who work with him – he received a number of nominations for this award – Malcolm is a true star. It is with real sadness that we will shortly be saying goodbye to Malcolm as he has decided to retire. He will be greatly missed when he finally leaves, but he will leave knowing he has made a lasting impression on many people both at Shaw Trust and amongst the partner organisations he has worked with.

Malcolm has been working for Shaw Trust for many years, starting his career as a development officer. Through sheer hard work he has risen through the ranks to his current position as a Director. We think that during his time at the Trust Malcolm has helped more than 3000 clients find work and achieve independence – an incredible achievement. We are sure that each of those 3000 people would join us in thanking him for his dedication.

Individual Achievement - James Gower

“I was momentarily lost for words when I realised that I had won.”

James contacted our Employer and Graduate Services team, which helps disabled graduates find work placements, after he had seen an advert for an internship with top accountancy firm Ernst & Young. He has left a lasting impression on us, and Ernst & Young, who immediately offered him a place on its coveted graduate training scheme subject to him gaining a 2i result on graduation. 

As a 20 year old maths student James is keen to do whatever he can to help challenge perceptions of disability. He often speaks in public about living with a disability and also does some stand up comedy in his spare time.

He has already bucked the national trend – disabled graduates are less likely to find employment than able-bodied graduates – by being offered employment before he has even graduated.

James has made a real impact on our team – and Ernst & Young – and we know he will achieve so much more.

Individual Achievement - Julian Gooden

“I was flabbergasted to win an award, I am still pinching myself. I volunteer because I like the work and helping people less fortunate than myself”

Julian has been working at our garden centre, Palmer Gardens for over a year now and he is an excellent member of the team. He travels from his home in Salisbury to Trowbridge three times a week – no mean feat – he has to get three buses and it takes him three hours each way – Julian seems to be very fond of the number 3!

Julian has faced many difficulties in his life – including having sciatica – a very painful condition - but in spite of it all he continues to put 100 per cent effort into his work. It hasn’t been easy for Julian as the work at Palmer Gardens is physically demanding but he takes it all in his stride. A real star.

Individual Achievement - Sam Crosby

“I thought I was only there to discuss the nomination, so it was quite a shock when everyone started applauding when I walked into the room. Apparently, my face was a picture.”

Just one year ago, eighteen year old Samantha Crosby was living in a hostel and struggling to see a future for herself. Now, she is living independently in her own flat and has recently had an interview for a place on a coveted apprenticeship scheme.

Samantha’s Development Officer often can’t believe she is the same young woman who walked through Shaw Trust’s doors in 2008.

“She’s a totally different person,” she comments. “She’s shown tremendous commitment and determination and is just such an inspiration.”

Samantha’s future is bright and we are all very proud of the way she has turned her life around in such a short space of time.

Individual Achievement - Simon Childerhouse

Shaw Trust works with many people who have to overcome barriers to fulfil their dreams and Simon is one of those people.

Simon has recently reached his goal of finding a full time job and is now working towards his next aim, to live independently in supported housing. Simon came to Shaw Trust after being out of work due to ill health and, according to his Employment Advisor, he attended every single meeting with real enthusiasm.

“Simon’s achievements are truly remarkable, he has faced much adversity in his life but has remained focused on his ultimate goal and we have no doubt that he will achieve this – and lots more,” she commented. He is motivated, determined and hard working and we are all very proud of his progress.

For Simon and his parents, winning the award was a real achievement – and a surprise!

“This is the first time I have ever won an award and it’s really precious to me,” he comments.

Individual Achievement - Bob Quilietti

Before coming to Shaw Trust, Bob had a very unusual career – he was a magician wowing people with his tricks everywhere from Cairo to Edinburgh – until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004 and his life turned upside down.

Bob now works as a Lifestyle co-ordinator with the Thistle Foundation, a charity which helped him come to terms with his own diagnosis – he travels for three hours every day on public transport to get to work - a journey that would make even the most hardy of commuters groan – but he never grumbles. His infectious enthusiasm and humour make him popular with colleagues and clients alike and we are all very proud of his achievements, often in the face of adversity.

Bob is a true STAR and we are proud to be able to recognise his courage and determination.

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