Local volunteer heroes have been recognised for their contribution to the borough of Knowsley at a full council meeting on Wednesday 18 March.
The Mayor’s Volunteer Awards have been set up to recognise the invaluable impact that the borough’s volunteers have on their communities, and seven individuals and one community group were celebrated at the inaugural recognition event. They were each presented with a ceremonial scroll by the Mayor of Knowsley as a lasting record of their achievement.
Kate Kelly was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with Swanside Community Centre. Kate makes a positive impact in her community by driving residents to and from a lunch club at the centre and visits local people, often with hot meals, to support those at risk of social isolation.
Kacie Price is Knowsley’s Young Volunteer of the Year. Kacie volunteers at Stalker’s Academy, mentoring and coaching young boxers, including young people with SEND. Kacie also offers wider support and training to young athletes, encourages involvement in competitions, and promotes personal goals and participation within the gym.
Kirkby Christian Fellowship were awarded Community Group of the Year for their significant contribution to supporting the local community when in crisis, specifically in relation to the support given to the residents of Beech and Willow Rise flats who were required to leave their homes last year, and the support extended to the wider community at that time. They also provide access to free community activities such as Heaven Sent and the Wellbeing Café, helping people in Kirkby to feel less alone, more confident, and more connected.
Bettina Dooley was named as Environmental Champion of the Year. Bettina has been litter-picking around the Tower Hill area in Kirkby for more than 10 years, mostly by herself. Local residents say that the estate is noticeably cleaner and more pleasant to walk around when she has been out litter picking.
Elaine Parr is the Good Neighbour of the Year for Kirkby. Elaine has supported neighbours through some of their most difficult moments, including comforting those facing terminal illness and helping with home-cooked meals during this time. She has been a lifeline for elderly widowers who have lost their partners, carrying out their weekly shopping, providing companionship, and helping to reduce social isolation while improving their mental health. Despite working full-time in a hospital, Elaine still finds time to walk neighbours’ dogs, visit the elderly, bake cakes and treats, cook and deliver meals, and check in on people within her community.
Sharon Riley is the Good Neighbour of the Year for Halewood. Sharon volunteers at local nursery, helping with odd jobs, cleaning and preparing snacks and decorates nursery for special celebration days. Sharon also buys toys and food for the children and resources for the setting with her own money. She was instrumental in the initial organising and opening of the nursery.
Stephanie Tomlinson is the Good Neighbour of the Year for Huyton where she runs the community hub & food club to support vulnerable residents in Stockbridge Village. Stephanie volunteers her time to support those most in need in her local area, supporting the community to access emergency supplies and to access information and advice on debt food poverty fuel poverty and social issues.
Rosina Jackson is the Good Neighbour of the Year for Prescot, Whiston, Cronton and Knowsley Village. Rosina is an active member of her community, arranging trips and activities for her neighbours which provide friendships and social experiences making a positive impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Despite moving into sheltered accommodation due to ill health Rosina has not stopped running and organising activities in Cronton.
The Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Ken McGlashan said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of Knowsley’s communities, giving their time, energy and compassion to help others and make our borough a better place to live. It was a privilege to meet this year’s first recipients of the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards and to recognise the difference they make every day—often quietly and without expecting anything in return. Congratulations to each of the winners and thank you to every volunteer across Knowsley for the support you provide to your neighbours and local communities.”