A TRIO of caring volunteers have been honoured by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Mark Jackson OBE for their work during this last year.
All three volunteer for The Monday Night Club, a county charity that connects people with learning disabilities and / or autism.
The High Sheriff Awards recognise ‘great and valuable services to the community’ and the appreciation of the residents and people of the county for enhancing the life of the community.
Laura Gill, Tom Langfield and Ray Cooke received the awards at individual ceremonies. Laura, the charity’s founder member and leader, has spent the last year keeping club members’ spirits up.
Her determination to keep everyone connected produced more than 150 hours of live social media during the lockdowns. “Our members were struggling with their mental health, and, knowing what that is like from my own experience, I did everything I could to help them get through this year.”
Tom has been a dedicated and hard-working volunteer for The Monday Night Club for over six years and has the special responsibility as Assistant Manager of their football club. Tom, who has lived experience of a learning disability himself, has taken a leading role in the delivery of the club’s new small-group activities, Circles of Support.
Ray, who has never let his disability hold him back, said “I am very surprised and honoured to receive this award from the High Sheriff. If it wasn’t for the MNC I would not be the person I am today.”
Helen Gill, CEO of the charity, said “the staff and other volunteers would like to thank Ray, Tom and Laura for their unfailing support, boundless energy and enthusiasm for keeping in contact with all our members during this most difficult year.”
“I have received a large number of nominations for the Sheriff Awards from across Worcestershire,” said the High Sheriff. “All of them containing details of the fantastic dedication and work that people give to support others and very worthwhile organisations that are such a fundamental part of what make our communities so special.
“The three awards I give today to Laura, Tom and Ray are typical examples of that generosity and good citizenship that we see every day across our county.”
The Monday Night Club is looking forward to getting back together in their new home, The Royal Porcelain Works, in May.
Visit themondaynightclub.org.uk to see their current list of activities or call 07973 788029 for more information.
