Dec 2020
Volunteers hailed as Shining Stars in Trust Awards 2020
OSJCT Shining Stars Awards 2020
Five volunteers have been selected as winners in The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) Shining Stars Awards 2020. The Trust, which has over 800 volunteers that donate their time, selected five winners from a shortlist of over fifty.
Winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2020 are: Carol Smith, Paternoster House, Gloucs; Julie Graves, Ermine House, Lincs; Bill Parkinson, Chilterns Court, Oxon; Marilyn Adams, Seymour House, Wilts; and Matthew Wilby, Larkrise Care Centre, Oxon.
Carol was nominated for being an ‘invaluable member of the home team’. Carol makes it her mission to ensure that residents continue with the activities that are important to them. Whether it’s planting bulbs and watching them bloom or helping to choose, buy and wrap their Christmas gifts to give their loved ones.
One nomination said: “I honestly don't know how our home team would manage without the dedication of this very special member of our volunteer community.”
Julie has been volunteering at Ermine House for twenty years. She was nominated for her commitment and friendliness. One nomination said: “her dedication is second to none. She takes real pride in what she does and has the upmost respect of both employees and residents”
Bill was nominated for ‘regularly going above and beyond.’ There is nothing Bill won’t support with, whether it’s baking cakes, helping to fundraise, or supporting residents with activities they enjoy. He even pitches in helping with the household chores too!
One nomination said: “Bill really is our shining star and there are no words that could do justice to how much we appreciate everything he does for us.”
Marilyn was nominated for her dedication to Seymour House, helping with trips and empowering resident to enjoy their lives at the home. She has assisted with many activities in the home, such as gardening, helping residents to knit Christmas characters, and decorating the ‘Halloween Christmas’ tree. One nomination said: “Nothing is too much trouble for Marilyn, and on top of everything else she does, she also keeps our gardens looking wonderful.”
Matthew was nominated by colleagues at Larkrise Care Centre for being proactive and always thinking of things he can do for the benefit of the residents. He has embraced doing extra training so that he can support residents at Larkrise more fully, eagerly undertakes befriending, and uses his contacts within the local community to get extra help for the home. One nomination said: “Matthew is just amazing, he’s an important part of our team.”
Matthew said: “I’ve made some great friendships with both residents and staff, and I genuinely look forward to going in every week. I wish I could go in everyday! I have yet to meet a resident that hasn’t got a fascinating life story to tell.”
Catherine Semmence, OSJCT Head of Volunteering said: “As well as congratulating Carol, Julie, Bill, Marilyn and Matthew, I’d like to thank them for their incredible contribution. Reading all their nominations in full, highlighted the many ways that they improve the lives of the residents that live with us. From lending a listening ear to enabling residents to continue with activities that are important to them, each one of them has made a huge difference. We cannot thank you enough.”