Awards and Commendations for Outstanding Voluntary Contribution were recently presented to local people by The Mayor of Chelmsford at a celebration afternoon tea held in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Chelmsford Awards for Voluntary Service were formed six years ago by Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action to recognise outstanding contribution in volunteering by local people. Lorraine Jarvis from the Centre said: “Chelmsford is a place where people give and give and just keep on giving! These Awards shine the spotlight on the fantastic contribution volunteers make across the community.”
This year’s winner of the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Voluntary Service was Brett Sears from Columbus School. Brett has been volunteering at the school, where he was a pupil. He volunteers for up to 25 hours every week providing support for pupils who have severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities; giving support with their learning in the classroom, as well as helping in the school kitchens with preparing and serving the school dinners and attending school trips.
Columbus School said: “He acts as a tremendous role model for our pupils. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and tremendously grateful for all of his help with our very special children and young people.”
Highly Commended certificates, in appreciation and recognition of the exceptional contribution made to volunteering, were presented this year to: Suzanne Ball for Scouting, Thelma Arnold from Chelmsford Community Transport and Shirley Hume from Springfield Youth Group.