Here and Now Trustee recognised for all her great work

Kathy Parker has been named Trustee of the Year as part of Volunteer Awards Month for the support she has shown Here and Now over the years.

December is Volunteer Awards Month to round off the Year of Volunteering campaign, which is run jointly by Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA) and Cheshire West and Chester Council to celebrate all the fantastic work volunteers do in their communities.

Here and Now is a social enterprise and aims to bring socially isolated older people together in Blacon and surrounding areas in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Kathy helped Karen Smith, other staff and volunteers set up Here and Now back in 2015 with the support of Blacon Business Enterprise, CWVA, the Council and other partners. A previous group being run to alleviate loneliness and isolation was closing down so volunteers, including Kathy, and staff members worked quickly to get Here and Now off the ground.

As well as being a dedicated Trustee, Kathy is at the forefront of fundraising and volunteers to lead an exercise group affiliated to Here and Now.

From March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of Here and Now’s sessions have to be provided remotely, including a telephone befriending service, weekly online digital sessions, an activity and doorstep bag and a newsletter. Despite Kathy having a spell of illness, she has still been taking part as a telephone befriender, contacting members of the group and supporting volunteers each week.

Karen, who nominated Kathy for the award, said: “She gives 100 per cent support to Here and Now, our staff and volunteers and is always there as a listening ear.

“Kathy has dedicated the last five years to Here and Now, which has supported so many members and helped reduced loneliness and isolation.

“She deserves this award as recognition for her contribution to Here and Now and the wider community.”

Pictured - Kathy has been recognised for the important role she plays at Here and Now as a Trustee.