Anne McCreadie
Anne began her volunteering career as a young single mum to four children in 1976 when plans for the community centre were being drawn up. Now aged 82 she still puts in a 40 hour week and is a great role model to everyone around her.
Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing 2022
Anne McCreadie, chairperson of the Merkinch Community Centre in Inverness has won the Age Scotland's Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing.
She received her award, sponsored by PSR Scotland, at Age Scotland's national awards ceremony in Glasgow.
Anne took over as chairperson of the Inverness community centre in the 1990s and has flourished in the role. She has embraced change and overseen the development of the centre into a welcoming place for older people, people with disabilities, and younger people attending after school groups.
Regulars at the centre describe it as somewhere with strong community spirit which helps them feel less lonely and isolated.
During Anne’s time in charge the centre has been renovated and modernised and now boasts 62,000 visits a year - a testament to her dedicated work.
Elsie Normington, development officer at the Merkinch Community Centre who nominated Anne, said:
"I am absolutely delighted that Anne has been chosen for this prestigious award. It is very well deserved and I am delighted that she has been appropriately recognised in this way for her very long term volunteering."
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:
"Anne's commitment, drive and energy have made the Highlands a better place for older people. She has created a warm and welcoming place for older people to get together, make friends and share activities. The tireless work that Anne does every week goes a long way to reducing isolation and loneliness among older people in Inverness.
"It was clear from Anne's nomination that she has touched the lives of so many older people and I'm delighted to present her with the Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing in recognition of her inspirational work."
Award Sponsor: PSR Scotland
PSR Scotland is a joint safeguarding initiative supported by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, SP Energy Networks, SGN and Scottish Water to promote the Priority Services Register (PSR) for vulnerable households across Scotland.
The Priority Service Register is free to join and helps utilities provide tailored support should your electricity, gas or water supply go off in an emergency as well looking after you during their planned work.