On Thursday 22nd November at the International Gospel Church in Burnt Oak, the first ever BOOST (Burnt Oak Opportunity Support Team) awards were held.

The evening was a celebration of the contribution that partners and supporters have made to BOOST, and was also an opportunity to reflect on achievements of the project which launched in 2015.

As well as our winners,  other attendees at the event also live and work in the heart of the community in Burnt Oak. Some of them, such as Michelle Tye, who featured in the Autumn of atHome magazine, were former clients of BOOST. Michelle now works at the BOOST project herself, helping others.

BOOST Award 2019 Winners

Partner of the Year – Hasan Cakmak, Citizens Advice Barnet: “Hasan has been wonderful with all of our clients, he spends quality time with individuals listening and making plans to resolve the issues promptly and conscisely.”

Volunteer of the Year – Trevor Fenton, The Real Junk Food Project: “A special person who doesn’t just look at the monetary value in working, but what difference it makes to the local people in the community.”

JobcentrePlus Partner of the Year – Stuart Downie, Disability Employment Adviser: “The unflappable Mr Downie is a disability adviser and helps with some of our most challenging clients.”

Employer of the Year – Savers: “As an employer they are very supportive in giving people a chance and help many BOOST clients back into employment.”

Extraordinary Person (a BOOST client who has made great progress this year) – Marie Kohan: “Marie is a real asset to the team both personally and professionally. We are lucky to have found her via BOOST!”

Rising Star – Charlie Stacey: “Charlie has evolved into a confident young man, at first he was shy and held back. Now after getting work experience as an apprentice, he has gone back to college as part of his goal to become a psychologist.”

Special mentions of appreciation were given to our contractors Morgan Sindall, Blue 9 Security and Barnet Council.

Congratulations to all the winners of a BOOST award and supporters of the project.

BOOST started out at a Burnt Oak targeted project and then extended to Childs Hill in the form of BOOST@184.

Even better news is that BOOST can now help any resident in Barnet who approaches them for help.

To make a referral or find out more, email boost@barnet.gov.uk or call Burnt Oak on 020 8359 5600 or Childs Hill on 020 8359 7200.