Fourteen Lincolnshire Care Home Volunteers Recognised At Annual Ceremony
The hard work and achievements of care home volunteers throughout Lincolnshire were recently celebrated by one of the county’s top care home providers – The Orders of St John Care Trust – during a special awards ceremony on 8th September.
The Trust’s annual Volunteers’ Day event, which took place at Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, saw 14 volunteers from OSJCT’s Lincolnshire care homes attend and receive certificates for their ongoing dedication and commitment to older people living in care.
As part of the day, Jill Hughes, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and OSJCT Trustee for the county, was in attendance and spoke highly of all those being commended.
Caroline Dunagan, Lincolnshire Assistant Operations Director for OSJCT, said: “We consider our volunteers to be one of our biggest assets and really appreciate their willingness to give up their time for the benefit of our residents. We’re extremely lucky to have such a selfless group of individuals willing to spend a bit of their spare time — from organising a day out or leading a weekly game of bingo to simply having a natter or lending a listening ear.
“We look forward to Volunteers’ Day every year because it’s the perfect opportunity to thank these amazing people for all the time and effort they spend enriching our residents’ day-to-day lives”
Among the 14 volunteers celebrated on the day was Alan Goulding – a 10-year volunteer from Beckside in Lincoln. A beloved personality within the home, Alan visits the home at least twice a week to play games with the residents and help on trips.
Other volunteers recgonised during the ceremony include:
5-year volunteers Pete Houlden and Jo Houlden of Beckside in Lincoln; Sharon Kemp of Ermine House in Lincoln; Andrew Jackson, Timothy Harrison, Sue Kirby, Patricia Franklin, Jane Vauvert, Joanne Deeley, Michael Neville and Helen McFarland of Foxby Court in Gainsborough; and Kate Philipps and Godfrey Philipps of Gregory House in Grantham.
Caroline added: “Many people may not realise it, but an hour every week or two can make a tremendous difference in our residents’ lives, as it helps build a sense of community and encourages social inclusion within our homes.
“I think all of our volunteers would agree that spending time in our homes offers a fulfilling experience hard to find elsewhere, and we encourage even more of our neighbours to get involved.”
