Local community groups and individuals honoured at awards ceremony
A community group called GROW Scarborough has been honoured for its fantastic efforts in reducing loneliness and promoting social connections through gardening. This group won the “Best Community Project” award at the North Yorkshire Community Awards. They’ve helped make a big impact on people’s mental health, especially in Scarborough, one of the county's most disadvantaged areas.
GROW Scarborough runs activities like a “seed hub” in the local library, where they share seeds with the community, and they host group gardening events at The Street Community Garden. They’ve also given fruit trees to different places around town, built a sensory garden for students with disabilities, and teamed up with other local groups to broaden their community outreach.
The awards recognised the efforts of these volunteers, many of whom have made a lasting difference in their towns and villages. Winners received £1,000 for their projects or nominated local charities, while runners-up got £250.
One of the key figures behind GROW Scarborough, Darren Mancrief, highlighted the positive impact of their work. He explained how they aim to provide fresh, healthy food locally, helping people grow food near home rather than importing it from far away. For Darren, the experience also boosts his physical and mental well-being by connecting him with new people.
Other winners include the Samaritans of Harrogate and District, who won the “Best Community Group” award. This group has 110 volunteers who offer 24/7 emotional support to anyone feeling distressed. They help over 2,000 people each month through phone calls, emails, and online chats. They also work with local partners to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Mark Edwards, a director of the group, praised the volunteers for their hard work, especially during overnight shifts, and emphasised how much relief people feel after speaking to a Samaritan.
Another big winner was Alma Hodgson from Sherburn, who received the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Alma has been volunteering since 1976 and has organised the Sherburn Gala, Christmas lights, and community events like the Halloween disco. She even started the Sherburn Community Association and helped with projects like Sherburn in Bloom and preserving the Old Girls School. Over the years, she’s also been a Brownie leader and has volunteered in many other ways to support her community.
Volunteering in North Yorkshire - why it matters
Volunteering plays a significant role in North Yorkshire, contributing to the improvement of health and social care. National statistics show that around one in five people in the UK volunteer at least once a month. In North Yorkshire specifically, thousands of people engage in volunteering, which helps to address issues like social isolation, support mental health, and offer critical services like crisis support.
For instance, community gardening groups like GROW Scarborough help people connect, feel less isolated, and engage in healthy outdoor activities. On the other hand, organisations like the Samaritans address urgent mental health needs, demonstrating the value of emotional support and outreach. These efforts are crucial, especially in rural areas where loneliness and lack of services can be significant challenges.
Overall, the work of volunteers across North Yorkshire creates a sense of belonging and resilience in communities, showing that even small acts of kindness and involvement can have lasting, positive effects.
Volunteering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire
Volunteering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire offers a meaningful way to make a difference in local health and social care services. As a volunteer, you can help amplify the voices of patients and community members, gather feedback to drive improvements, and ensure that public health needs are heard and addressed by decision-makers.
