The sterling efforts of local volunteers will be highlighted at the Good Citizens Awards.
The presentation will be hosted by Lincolnshire County Council chairman Cllr Robert Reid, who said:
“I am proud to say that our county has a great tradition of volunteering, so, with that in mind, the county council created the Good Citizens Awards to give us the opportunity to recognise our own unsung heroes.
“This year's winners are truly inspirational and make a huge difference to their communities through their unstinting commitment.
“The winners were chosen from a host of nominations covering all corners of the county and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us about the unsung heroes from their communities.”
There are four categories of awards:
- Individual
- Young Citizen
- Community Group
- Pair or Couple
Individual category - Philip Skayman
When Philip Skayman lost his good friend Adam Hughes to Sudden Arrythmic Death (SADS) in 2009 he decided that something positive should come out of the tragedy.
Philip, who’s from Lincoln, set up a charity football team in his friend’s memory - Hughsie FC.
This has now competed in more than 500 matches and raised £25,000 for charities and community groups including more than £13,000 for SADS.
SADS UK funds research and medical equipment to prevent sudden cardiac death. Thanks to the charity’s campaigning, it is now the law to have defibrillators in all public spaces.
Philip, also ran the London marathon in aid of SADS – a major feat for someone who’s not a natural runner.
His latest fundraiser for the charity was a three-week self-funded trek to Everest Base camp with two friends, trekking 15 miles a day in extreme conditions and dealing with many challenges including altitude sickness.
Young Citizen - Callum Barratt
Selfless teenager Callum Barratt has worked hard to use his experiences to help improve services for others.
Two years ago Callum who’s aged 15 and from Sleaford, joined Lincolnshire Young Inspectors, an initiative run by Lincolnshire County Council which reviews services for young people and recommends how they could be improved.
Callum has reported findings and recommendations to councillors and senior managers at the county council.
Last year, Callum took part in a major discussion event about children in care in Parliament. He was interviewed by the BBC about what it is like to be a young person in care which was later televised nationally on BBC Newsround.
He is also a member of Lincolnshire Children in Care Council and has delivered presentations about Young Inspectors to encourage young people to feel confident to join and participate.
Community Group award - Branston Community Group Good Neighbour Scheme
Since Branston Community Group Good Neighbour Scheme launched in March 2020 it has grown from strength to strength.
The scheme has now dealt with more than 4,500 requests for assistance from vulnerable individuals and families.
It’s run by a dedicated team of over 40 committee members and volunteers covering areas across the district of North Kesteven as well as, on occasion, Gainsborough and Grantham .
Collectively, volunteers regularly exceed 60 hours per week to support residents on a wide and diverse range of tasks. This includes hospital visits, prescription collection and delivery, DIY, shopping, welfare visits, food box deliveries and signposting to essential services.
The Group’s Food Bank, formed at the same time is also a huge success. It regularly supports up to 10 families a week, as well as delivering more than 100 hampers at Christmas and Easter.
Volunteers have been instrumental in establishing two Warm Welcome Spaces in Branston, which have proven to be very successful.
Couple category - Bill and Maggie Anderson
Now in their eighties, Bill and Maggie Anderson still remember the experience of being homeless as a young family.
For more than 10 years they have been dedicated supporters of ECHO - East Coast Homeless Outreach.
This is a tremendous feat with both of them now well on into retirement – and their enthusiasm for the cause shows no sign of diminishing.
The Horncastle couple collect good quality warm clothes, sleeping bags and toiletries as well as other items that can help homeless people.
They’re so successful that Bill’s shed has become a permanent depot for donations!
They also promote ECHO by holding talks at local groups which generate much-needed funds on behalf of the organisation.
One of the biggest campaigns they carry out is putting together Christmas bags. Over the years they’ve given out hundreds filled with toiletries, hand-knitted hats, gloves, scarves and socks, chocolates and a pen and notepad, making sure that those on the streets have some festive cheer.