A FOUNDING member of a refugee support charity in Malvern has been highly commended at a recent awards ceremony for her efforts.
Ruth Forecast, from Malvern Welcomes, was named first runner up in the Public Service Award at the 12th annual West Midlands Community Inspiration Awards.
The awards recognise an outstanding contribution made by an individual or a team for going the extra mile to respond to the needs of the community.
Ruth was recognised as being the driving force behind Malvern Welcomes, leading a team of volunteers and co-ordinating support and practical assistance given to refugee families resettled in the town.
The founding member told the Standard: “I was touched to be nominated and selected after my colleagues put me forward.
“I don’t see it as an award for myself, we’re a team and we work together. I see it as an award for Malvern Welcomes and the work we do.”
Malvern Welcomes was among just a few nominations from outside Birmingham, so the charity feels very proud to be recognised.
The group was founded a decade ago with a view to helping refugee families settle in Malvern.
Initial campaigns eventually led to Worcestershire County Council agreeing to rehome a family under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.
Although this family was not settled inMalvern, the group continued its efforts to support refugee families and applied to the Home Office to bring a family in under the Community Sponsorship Scheme. This scheme relied on Malvern Welcomes raising funds and finding somewhere for the family to reside.
The charity has since helped four families settle in Malvern and continues to support them and other refugees with accessing medical care, learning English and more.
Mike O’Hara, assistant chief constable of West Midlands Police presented Ruth her award at a ceremony on Friday, September 20.
