Volunteers rewarded as vital Tamworth charity presented with King’s Award
Dozens of dedicated volunteers were recognised for their exceptional contribution to the community as a vital and beloved Tamworth charity was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Thirty volunteers from Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre received certificates and commemorative badges alongside the charity’s manager Paula Da Silva and admin assistant Lisa Mitchell, who together have helped thousands of people affected by cancer and serious illnesses over the last decade.
The award is the highest honour that can be given to voluntary groups and was presented on behalf of the King by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, in front of around 70 guests at Drayton Park Golf Club last week.
The special presentation evening was attended by the volunteers, dignitaries the High Sheriff of Staffordshire and the Mayor of Tamworth, past and present centre clients, and many of the charity’s supporters, including its longtime ambassador, TV comedian Joe Lycett.
During the evening, Professor Barnes explained why the King’s Award continues to recognise outstanding volunteer organisations.
“The King wants to recognise people who volunteer, because they are the real fabric of our communities,” she said.
“These awards were originally introduced by Queen Elizabeth II, but His Majesty wanted them to continue because he is so supportive of what charities can achieve in their communities.
She said Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre had earned the honour because of the unique community it had created.
“It’s about the community that has been formed here and how it supports not only people with cancer and long-term illnesses, but also their families and friends.
“So many of the volunteers have experienced these challenges themselves and now want to give something back. There is a real sense that people enjoy what they do and genuinely want to help others.
“The charity offers such a wide range of services that you simply wouldn’t find through the public or private sector in the same way. New activities continue to develop as people bring their own interests and ideas, encouraging others to socialise, stay active and find moments of happiness during incredibly difficult times.
“It’s amazing what this charity has achieved.”
Paula, Lisa Mitchell, five trustees and the dedicated team of volunteers offer a range of practical and emotional support from the Stonydelph hub including wig fittings, massage, yoga, foot health, knit and natter, craft sessions, singing, support groups, coffee mornings and social events.
Over the last 10 years, they’ve contributed almost 60,000 hours of support to the local community, and more than 2,000 in the last year alone, as they help people navigate the most challenging circumstances.
Paying tribute to the volunteers, Chair of Trustees Cathy Tibbles said they had created ‘a very special place’ for local people.
“Between each and every one of you, led by our practically perfect Paula, you have established a very special place in Tamworth where people know they will find someone to listen, understand and support them through some of the most difficult times of their lives,” she said.
“Your generosity last year alone amounted to more than 2,100 hours spent supporting the centre. We haven’t counted the cups of tea you’ve made, the towels you’ve washed or the bins you’ve emptied. We haven’t counted the weekends you’ve spent fundraising or the conversations you’ve had encouraging others to seek help.
“Every one of those acts of kindness has helped make this a true safe haven for our community.
“This award reflects the dedication, commitment and hard work of so many people over so many years.”
Paula said the evening was one she would never forget.
“I am absolutely delighted and overwhelmed for the charity to have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is such an honour,” she said.
“The presentation evening was so special, definitely a night I will never forget. I’m so grateful to everybody who came to share it with us, especially because it was such a ridiculously hot day.
“It was also incredibly special to have our ambassador Joe with us to celebrate the occasion.”
Joe, who has won more than £50,000 for the charity on TV celebrity game shows, said: “I was delighted and quite moved to be at the ceremony to celebrate the centre winning such a prestigious and well-deserved award.
“I’m so proud of Paula and the team and what they have achieved. It’s just brilliant that the King has recognised just how important they are.
”The evening concluded with Joe and Paula cutting a commemorative King’s Award cake before guests enjoyed a buffet and celebrated with the volunteers whose commitment has helped make the charity one of the country’s most highly regarded voluntary organisations.
Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre relies entirely on grants and donations.
To find out how you can support the charity, please visit: https://twcsc.co.uk/.
Press Release courtesy of Linda Ram Pro Copy Creation, photos courtesy of New Moon Images.
perfect time for us because we have been unable to fundraise all year due to the Covid-19 restrictions, even our annual Christmas Ball has had to be cancelled. Whilst the Centre has been closed we have still had bills to pay which has been a struggle so this windfall means that we can keep the Centre open for at least another 5-6 months (when we finally re-open).
Last week you will hopefully have seen our video made for LoveBrum where we were one of 3 chosen causes to receive a donation. The winner will receive £2000, 2nd place will receive £1000 and 3rd place will receive £500.
“One of our volunteers Louise Vernon also won a fundraiser of the year award so she donated her free month to us too. I thought Joe would be the perfect person to be the voice of our advert, as our ambassador and because he has a recognisable voice. I thought it would have more of an impact than people having to listen to my voice!
