Rotherham celebrates its volunteers

The Rotherham Community Achievement Awards, which were organised by Voluntary Action Rotherham, were held at the Carlton Park hotel on Friday in honour of those who have made a significant difference to the lives of people in the town.

Rotherham Youth Cabinet member Rebecca Parkin scooped the Young Volunteer (Under 25) prize for her work in raising awareness around equality, bullying, mental health and autism.

Rebecca, who had suffered bullying at school, said: “I wanted to make sure young people’s voices were heard and there were not many people talking about bullying.

“People didn’t know where to go or who to speak to, and I decided I wanted to do something about it. Staying at home doing nothing will not get anything done.”

Gary Boyes was nominated for his support of the Military Community Veterans Centre, giving advice and information, as well as helping at the drop-in centre and outreach project.

Former Rush House resident John Collins was also nominated for his work supporting other young people entering the facility, taking part in fund-raising and volunteering for Casting Innovations.

The Volunteer category was won by 79-year-old Patrick Cahill, a founder member of the Hotshots Theatre Group, who also helps run Ability Shopper Rotherham and works for RotherFed, Age UK Rotherham, Rawmarsh and Parkgate Treat Fund and Green Ash TARA.

Patrick said: “We give everyone as much support as we can. Some come in at first with learning difficulties but as they get older they end up teaching other people coming in.

“What motivates me is being able to do something for somebody else.”

Ida Atkin was nominated for her work in running the Peregrine Way Community Centre in Harthill, which supports a pensioners’ bungalow complex and provides meals, activities and trips away.

Lewis Allen was nominated for his dedication to Rotherham and Barnsley Mind, recognising mental health issues and providing support. He also volunteers with Rotherham’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Project.

The Project award was won by Rotherham Community Transport Limited, which has 30 vehicles and carries out more than 12,000 journeys each month.

The scheme’s Adrian Parkinson said: “We provide door to door transport for a variety of people from very different communities, so they can visit friends, go to supermarkets or undertake community activities.”

Kimberworth Park Club 50+ was nominated for providing social afternoons and events to members and reaching out to people who are isolated, lonely or disabled.

Patients Library Volunteers received a nomination for its work in delivering a library service to patients on the wards of Rotherham Hospital three days each week.

Awards judge Cllr Mahroof Hussain said the work of volunteers brought people together and added: “Let’s not let the racists out there define and divide us.

“We need to celebrate the unsung heroes who work in this town, have done for hundreds of years and will continue to do so.”

Compere for the night was Rotherham FM’s Michael Kilby-Scott and entertainment was provided by Rotherham Teachers’ Student Academy.

Picture Caption: The Community Achievement Awards were held at the Carlton Park Hotel recently. From left to right are, back row: judge Cllr Mahroof Hussain, young volunteer nominee John Collins, MPs John Healey and Kevin Barron, judge and Rotherham Partnership manager Carole Haywood, leader of Rotherham Borough Council Paul Lakin, volunteer nominee Patrick Cahill, young volunteer nominee Gary Boyes, project nominee representative Alan Billsborough (Patient's Library), volunteer nominee Lewis Allen, project nominee representative Adrian Parkinson (Rotherham Community Transport) and project volunteer representative Jeff Taylor (Kimberworth Park Club 50+), front row: volunteer nominee Ida Atkin, judge Peter Broxham and young volunteer nominee Rebecca Parkin. 142096.