Each year during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) the City of Edinburgh plays host to an awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the wonderful contribution made by volunteers across the city.
Care and Repair Edinburgh are delighted to announce that for the third year running their dedicated group of handyperson volunteers have won an ‘Inspiring Volunteer Award’ from the City of Edinburgh.
This year’s Award comes to celebrate the successful partnership between Care and Repair Edinburgh and Big Hearts Community Trust, which sees supporters of Heart of Midlothian Football Club volunteering to provide practical & technical support to older and disabled people across Edinburgh.
Care & Repair Edinburgh is a major partner of Big Hearts’ volunteering programme and their group of handyperson volunteers demonstrates how football fans can change the lives of the most vulnerable, with Care & Repair clients feeling less isolated and secure in their own homes.
The Big Hearts volunteers who have come through this partnership have been so prolific in their volunteering that they have carried out over 165 referrals for Care and Repair clients since January this year. That in itself is a record!
Yvonne Georgeson, Volunteer Officer for Care & Repair said:
‘We are absolutely delighted to have won an Inspiring Volunteer Award for the third year running. The fact that it jointly celebrates our successful partnership with Big Hearts makes it extra special. Our Big Hearts volunteers are so keen to help our clients that we can hardly keep up with getting referrals to them. Like all our volunteers, they just enjoy helping the less able and elderly feel more comfortable and less isolated in their homes.’
We are all very proud of our volunteers and hope they enjoy receiving their Awards on Wednesday 7 June at the City Chambers.’
Craig Wilson, Big Hearts Interim General Manager said:
‘We are delighted to see our Big Hearts Care & Repair volunteers recognised by the City for their fantastic commitment to support vulnerable people across Edinburgh.
Since we launched Big Hearts’ volunteering programme, we have been delighted to be working with Care & Repair Edinburgh on a project which we know already benefits people in need. By helping Hearts fans to become Care & Repair volunteers, we are increasing the number of individuals and families supported by the charity and it is great to see our first group of volunteers recognised for providing this help.’
Neil, Care & Repair Big Hearts Handyperson volunteer said: ‘As a volunteer for Care & Repair Big Hearts this provides an opportunity to put something positive back into the local community. It is both rewarding and satisfying to know that the work we do in fixing common everyday property problems does help to improve the wellbeing of residents as they go about their daily lives.’
Ron, Care & Repair Big Hearts Handyperson volunteer said: ‘I have realised that no job is too small and every job is so important to the clients, and the appreciation from them is the best. The pleasure and fulfilment that I get personally knowing I have helped is the best feeling too!’
Care and Repair Big Hearts client said: ‘Your volunteer provided an excellent service and was a gem of a person and helped me feel safe again in my home.’
Big Hearts Community Trust is the official charity partner of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. More info can be found here:
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