A KIND-HEARTED woman from Worcester has received an award for ‘giving extra’ and making a positive difference in her community.
Jean Wilson was recognised for the Halifax Giving Extra Awards for setting up and running New Hope Worcester, a centre in Ronkswood that has supported children with severe learning difficulties and their families for the past five years.
Nominated by Laura Hamilton, a volunteer at New Hope, Jean has helped to support more than 90 families by offering them respite, enabling them to take part in the same leisure opportunities as their non-disabled peers and allowing the parents and carers regular meaningful breaks from their caring responsibilities.
Now in its third year, the Halifax Giving Extra Awards reward people who bring communities together and help them thrive.
Jean said: “I was thrilled to just be nominated, so to find I had won a Halifax Giving Extra Award was amazing. I’d really just like to thank all the families that placed their trust in us to look after their children and hope that we have been able to make a difference.”
Wendy Kitchen, Community Ambassador for Halifax West Midlands, said: “The work that Jean has done for the community is outstanding and truly deserves this recognition. She has truly gone the extra mile for people in our community and we are delighted to recognise this.”
Russell Galley, Group Director, Halifax Community Bank, said: “Halifax is committed to bringing communities closer together. We believe we should give extra back to people like Jean who are pivotal to driving positive and lasting change. We’re proud that Jean is one of our Halifax Giving Extra Award winners.”
As one of 66 local winners from across the UK, Jean was awarded with £300 in Supercheque vouchers and will be put forward to be chosen as one of the seven regional winners for a chance to win £5,000 to make a further difference in her community.
