September 23, 2014 9.00 am This story is over 113 months old

Lincolnshire YMCA awards high achievers

Hard work acknowledged: Hard-working members of staff and volunteers at YMCA Lincolnshire were praised for their dedication at an annual awards ceremony.

Hard-working members of staff and volunteers at YMCA Lincolnshire were praised for their dedication at an annual awards ceremony at The Showroom in Lincoln on Monday, September 22.

YMCA Lincolnshire runs youth and activity facilities as well as having an active involvement in housing its 74 unit project, Outreach, the Health Club, two childcare facilities and Youth Work.

Its annual awards ceremony spotlighted staff and volunteers for their work in the community.

The winners were:

  • Spirit Award – Joe Boardman from the Showroom Catering Department.
  • Volunteer of the Year Award – Resident Jacqueline Seddon
  • Over 25 Worker of the Year Award – Fitness Instructor Aaron Hall
  • Under 25 Worker of the Year Award – Jessica Dowce from Beginnings
  • Young Achiever Award – Parkour instructor Blake Wilkins

The last award of the evening to be presented was the YMCA Vision for the Community Award, which went to Alan Perkins who helped set up the YMCA in 1984.

Alan was praised for his work for the community on initial budgets of as little as £64.

YMCA Lincolnshire CEO Malcom Barham, who started his YMCA career 26 years ago, thanked the team for their hard work in all areas of the service.

Malcom said: “Last year, 359 individuals who were hoping to join the armed forces were also tested by the YMCA to make sure that they passed their physical fitness test.

“We trained 142 people in health and fitness so that they could work towards becoming fitness instructors.

“In our alternative curriculum here at The Showroom, a piece of work that we are hoping to expand, we have over 50 young people through our doors in the last academic year doing a variety of courses.

“Today, I discovered that there is even more that we can begin to offer with the range of qualifications that we are able to deliver.

“Every week, over 124 young people are looked after in our childcare centres and out partners The Nomad trust house 21 people each night who are homeless.

“During our housing projects last year we houses 238 individuals, and since April of this year, we have successfully moved 31 of those people onto their own accommodation without support.

“We are keen to see positive change in our city and I am really proud to be part of this organisation. These awards are a great way to acknowledge the work of thos who do the most difficult tasks.”