Congratulations to Medi Tech Trust and The WayfinderWoman Trust in Eastbourne and Sussex Pathways in Lewes – the three East Sussex-based winners of the 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to charitable organisations. This year, it was awarded to 241 organisations across the UK.
Medi Tech Trust
Medi Tech Trust is a registered charity providing medical equipment and training for the community.
On receiving the award, the charity said:
“Medi Tech Trust is extremely proud to announce that our charity has been awarded this high honour. Throughout 2021 thousands of PPE items – face shields, masks, gloves and gowns – were sourced and donated to East Sussex NHS, care workers and the vulnerable. [We] also assisted in the distribution of face visors donated by two fraternal organisations to Sussex care homes and the hard of hearing. Two Community Initiatives already benefit 250,000 doctors’ patients in East Sussex – we’re aiming to double this number during the summer.”
The WayfinderWoman Trust
WayfinderWoman, run by and for women, helps build self-confidence and skills for women who are facing disadvantage and support them in transforming their lives. In the 10 years since it was first conceived WayfinderWoman has helped approximately 900 women from across the UK with their free workshops, coaching and drop-in advice centre.
The founder and Chair, Laura Murphy said:
“I am so excited that our wonderful volunteers have been recognised by the Queen in this, Volunteer’s Week. They’ve each brought their skills and enthusiasm, working with unstinting commitment to help other women have better lives. They’ve built long lasting friendships as a result and had a lot of fun along the way.”
Sussex Pathways
Sussex Pathways is a criminal justice charity based in Lewes, East Sussex. They work within prisons and communities with the aim of reducing offending behaviours and empowering ex-offenders to make positive life choices. Their team is comprised of staff, trustees, and volunteers. They work with offenders and victims of crime primarily within Sussex, but are able to facilitate out of area work when capacity allows.
Margaret Carey, MBE JP, Chair of the Trustee’s said:
“I am absolutely thrilled that the amazing work of our volunteers and staff has been recognised in this way. They show absolute dedication to the task of helping people to change the way they live in the community, and this benefits every one of us.”