Enfield volunteers celebrated and honoured
– Award recognises a minimum of 100 hours of volunteering
– More volunteers asked to step forward and become an Enfield Hero
Volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have been officially honoured for their dedication and hard work at a special ceremony at Enfield Civic Centre.
On 30 March more than two hundred people were recognised for volunteering for 100 hours or more throughout the year, including volunteers for St. John’s Ambulance Service, 10th Edmonton Scout Group, Healthwatch Enfield, Forty Hall Estate, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Metropolitan Police.
The scheme is a fantastic way of recognising the efforts and achievements of those who selflessly dedicate their time and abilities to helping others and raises the importance and profile of the borough’s volunteers.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Arts and Culture, Cllr Yasemin Brett, said: “We are truly grateful for the commitment, dedication and selflessness of all these volunteers. I would personally like to thank each and every one of them recognised at our 100 hours awards ceremony. They have made a huge contribution to people’s lives and to Enfield as a whole.”
One highlight of the awards day was the recognition of 85 year old Ken Edwards for his voluntary work spanning over 13 years with the Metropolitan Police Volunteer Programme. In addition, a team from Radio Enfield was honoured. From the team, Radio Enfield’s treasurer Howard White and chairman David Scarff are completing 47 years of volunteering this year and station manager Andy Higgins is heading towards his 38th year.*
Ann Cable MBE, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Enfield, was on hand to present the volunteers with a certificate and unique pin badge as a token of the Council’s appreciation. No stranger to volunteering, Mrs. Cable worked voluntarily with St. John’s Ambulance for over 40 years and was the first female Commissioner of London St. John.
In 2015 Enfield Council launched a campaign, Enfield Heroes, to encourage more residents to volunteer their free time and help make the borough a better place for everyone. Cllr Brett, commented: “We’ve got an estimated 100,000 heroes in Enfield who already give up their free time to help others. There are so many reasons to volunteer – it is fun, fulfilling, strengthens community ties and neighbourhoods and increases civic pride. Whether it’s helping out in one of our libraries or planting in one of our beautiful parks, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Age, background and physical abilities are not a barrier to volunteering, so give it a go!”
For more information on the scheme go to https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/your-council/volunteering/enfield-heroes/.
