Celebrating Our Volunteers: Gold and Silver at the Isle of Wight Community Awards

We are thrilled to share that two of our Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers were recognised at the Vectis Radio Isle of Wight Community Awards on Friday 27th March, a wonderful evening celebrating the people who make this Island such a special place to live.

The Isle of Wight Community Awards, hosted by Vectis Radio, shine a light on the individuals and groups who go above and beyond for the people around them. This year, we were delighted to see two of our nominations recognised on the night: Cheryl Burtwell, who took gold in the Good Neighbour category, and Janet and John Stickland, who were awarded silver for Volunteer of the Year.

Our Marketing and Digital Communications Officer, Joe Hodgkinson, attended the ceremony and described how much it moved him.

"It was a privilege to be there. You look around a room like that and you're reminded of just how much people give and how much it matters. We really are lucky to have so many caring people around us on this Island."

Below is a little more about the people behind the awards and what makes them so special

Cheryl Burtwell — Gold, Good Neighbour Award

After retiring from her role as a Support Worker with Age UK Isle of Wight, Cheryl signed up as a volunteer with our Good Neighbour Scheme and has continued to give her time and care to older Islanders without missing a beat. 

Cheryl supports older clients five days a week. She takes people out for coffee and a chat, helps them get out of the house, and accompanies those who would not feel comfortable or safe going out alone. She is also a vital part of our monthly Chatty Brews (dementia-friendly social gatherings held at venues across the Island). For some of the people she supports, Cheryl's presence is the only reason they are able to attend. Without her there to collect them, sit with them, and help them feel at ease, they would simply stay at home.

She also supports clients who have recently been discharged from the hospital, a time that can feel particularly isolating, especially for those who do not have family living close by. Cheryl helps people settle back in, checks they have what they need, and makes sure they know they are not on their own.

Cheryl has a natural ability to put people at ease. She is patient, warm, and unhurried and for clients who feel anxious about going out or have lost confidence over time, that makes all the difference. For the people she supports, she is not just a volunteer, she is a friend.

"Cheryl is willing to take me anywhere I ask her to and nothing is too much trouble. In fact, she has become a true friend to me. I don't know what I would do without her."

— A client supported through the Good Neighbour Scheme

Janet and John Stickland — Silver, Volunteer of the Year

We decided to nominate Janet and John together as they both build their own relationships with clients, show up for people independently, and yet together bring a level of care and consistency that means a great deal to those they support.

A significant part of their role involves helping clients take part in our regular social activities. This is rarely as simple as it sounds. For older people managing mobility difficulties, anxiety, or dementia, getting to a community group can feel like an enormous undertaking. Janet and John take all of that in their stride, collecting clients from their homes, supporting them throughout, and making sure everyone gets back safely. On many occasions, they are each picking up three or four people in a single trip. That takes real commitment and a great deal of care. 

What really defines Janet and John, though, is what they do when the situation changes. When one of Janet's clients moved into a nursing home, she kept visiting. When John's client was in the hospital, he went to see them too. Neither had any obligation to do so, but they understood that those moments, when someone faces a frightening or uncertain change, are often when a familiar, friendly face matters most.

"Janet collects me once a month to take me to Age UK's Chatty Brew which I enjoy immensely. She always makes sure I and the other clients get in and out of the car safely and the journey there is so much fun as she is always cheerful... I'm not family but Janet treats me as if I am. I feel very lucky to have her as my volunteer."

— A client supported through the Good Neighbour Scheme

We are again incredibly proud to have had two nominations recognised on the night, and prouder still of the people behind them. Cheryl, Janet, and John are a brilliant reflection of the volunteer community that makes Age UK Isle of Wight what it is.

A reflection from our Chief Officer

Maria Bunce, Chief Officer of Age UK Isle of Wight, said the awards were a proud moment for the whole organisation but also a reflection of something much wider.

"These awards are a wonderful thing to celebrate, and seeing Cheryl, Janet, and John recognised means so much to all of us. They give their time so freely and so consistently, and the difference they make to people's lives is real and lasting. For me, though, the night was also a reminder of just how many people across this Island pour their hearts into their communities, simply because they care. We are so proud that our volunteers are part of that and incredibly lucky to have them."

— Maria Bunce, Chief Officer, Age UK Isle of Wight

Could you make a difference too?

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Age UK Isle of Wight. If you would like to give your time and support to older people in our community, we would love to hear from you. You can find out more about volunteering opportunities here, 

Alternatively you can email volunteering@ageukiw.org.uk or call us on 01983 525282