News MBC and HOKH celebrating ‘unsung heroes’
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and Heart of Kent Hospice (HOKH) are delighted to announce the winners of the Compassionate Community Awards 2020.
The inaugural awards were launched in July to recognise and acknowledge individuals, groups and organisations who went above and beyond to make a difference to so many people in their communities throughout the Covid-19 lockdown. The wide variety of nominations received for the six categories of the Compassionate Community Awards, reflected the hard work of a vast number of people and organisations across the borough.
The Compassionate Community Awards 2020 winners are:
- Compassionate workplace/business – Express Cabs Maidstone
- Compassionate Care/Residential Home – Loose Court Care Home
- Compassionate Neighbour/Volunteer - Reshmi Kalam
- Compassionate School / Teacher -Mark Chatley – Headteacher Palace Wood Primary School
- Compassionate Young Person (under 18 years) – Thomas Elphick
- Compassionate Community - Yalding Community Volunteers
- Compassionate Community - Village Virus Volunteers
Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring said:
“These awards recognise some remarkable acts of kindness and ingenuity shown by people and organisations as part of caring for others during Covid-19. We all know someone who has gone that extra mile to help and I am delighted to be able to meet some of those who did just that for our communities across the borough of Maidstone, and present them with their award.”
The awards were introduced by MBC and HOKH in conjunction with media partners – the Kent Messenger. Representatives from all organisations were part of the judging panel and were joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent – The Lady Colgrain who said:
“These Awards shine a light on the many wonderful people in our community that have given their own time and skills freely to support those in their local community in real need. They are an example to us all that in times of crisis, helping each other can make life a little more bearable for those that are vulnerable or isolated. I am hugely humbled to have read their stories and hope that they continue with their inspiring and selfless work.”
MBC Chief Executive, Alison Broom was also on the judging panel added:
“The task of judging the nominations for these awards was extremely difficult. We heard about some heart-warming acts of compassion during the lockdown, which have helped to break through the negativity of the Coronavirus. The nominations we received reflect the kindness and support individuals and organisations gave through a very difficult time. All were incredible. We would have truly liked to have awarded all nominees with a prize and would like to thank everyone for all their amazing contributions and the work they did.”
As a result, the judging panel also recognised the work of other nominations and awarded them as Highly Commended. These were:
Compassionate Community - Highly Commended:
North Loose Residents
Compassionate Community Neighbour/Volunteer – Highly Commended:
Jessica Howells
Compassionate Community Young Person – Highly Commended:
Melanie Schofield
Compassionate Community Business/Workplace – Highly Commended:
Maidstone Yoga Centre – Lin Craddock
Compassionate Community Care and Residential – Highly Commended:
Audley/Mote House
Sarah Pugh, Heart of Kent Hospice Chief Executive concluded:
“The 2020 Compassionate Community Awards have demonstrated the amazing acts of kindness, selflessness and community spirit that we have all witnessed over the past seven months and it’s important that we celebrate the individuals, organisations and groups that work tirelessly in their local community. The judging panel were inspired by the range of nominations, and I’d like to congratulate all the finalists on winning their awards and for their amazing work across the borough.”