The Your Choice (known as YCB) Awards on Monday 8 December 2014 for our service users and parent/carers took place at CommunitySpace and Christmas was very much in the air, too, with festive food like mince pies in abundance so it all added to the wonderful atmosphere.
This year the YCB Awards had four categories and five winners. But all of this year’s nominees were inspirational and deserving, with moving stories behind the nominations.
In the Striving for Independence Award category, which service user Gary Stannett won, he showed how he had grown from being a very shy man, who was nervous in the community, to being able to use public transport and also enjoying group activities. It was a particularly emotional moment for his mother, Lorraine (also a nominee at the awards) who was so proud at Gary’s determination and enthusiasm for greater independence.
Another inspirational winner was Jane Parkinson, for Volunteer of the Year. Jane has volunteered at Rosa Morison for nearly two years, supports people with lunch, helps them with personal care and manages to help out with cleaning the centre, too!
Julie Riley, Director of Care and Support, said: “It was a fantastic day at the CommunitySpace today and all of the nominees’ stories were hugely inspiring, congratulations to the winners it must have been tough for the judges!”
A representative from YCB contractors Lovell, who also attended and sponsored the event, said: “This has been such a good day, everyone here is deserving of an award.”
Executive Director Care and Support, Julie Riley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Troy Henshall, The Barnet Group Board Chair, Terry Rogers and Angela Purcell, The Barnet Group Resident Board Member, all attended to support the event.
Your Choice Awards Winners 2014
Carer Contribution Award
Winner: Philomena Hynes
Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Jane Parkinson
Making Progress Award
Winner: Linda Shoot and Danny Kirkham
Striving for Independence Award
Winner: Gary Stannett