Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards recognises the work of our Volunteers
The work of volunteers across Bexley was celebrated on Wednesday 7 June at the annual Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards.
This year’s ceremony was held at the Exchange in Erith, and was attended by MPs Sir David Evennett and Abena Oppong-Asare, the Mayor of Bexley Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush, TV chef and presenter Rosemary Shrager and around 100 people from across a wide range of Bexley organisations.
The winner of the Bexley Community Star category was Mind in Bexley’s Rebecca Makis. The category was aimed at those who are making or have made a huge impact in improving the lives of others. Rebecca was awarded with her winner’s certificate by the Mayor of Bexley.
About her award win, Rebecca Makis said: “When my name was called, it was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I have battled mental illness for a very long time, Mind has always been there to help me. From client to volunteer to part-time staff, and I am full of pride in the work that I do. It really is the best job in the world. So, this is all a little surreal.”
In a fitting way to end Volunteers’ Week 2023, the Community Pantry Team (pictured below with Rebecca and the Mayor and Mayoress) were also nominated in the Bexley Team of the Year category and were presented with a certificate to recognise their amazing volunteering contribution by Sir David Evennett, the MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford.
Sky Crook (Mind in Bexley’s Volunteer and Coproduction Coordinator) said: “We have a wonderful volunteer team at Mind in Bexley. All our volunteers are amazing!
“Last night we took some time out to celebrate five of our volunteers in particular at the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards – The Pantry Volunteer Team, and Rebecca Makis, who volunteers her time to support Recovery College clients through online and onsite groups.
“Between them they have contributed many hundreds of volunteer hours over the last few years. The commitment, passion, dedication and the never-ending kindness they show to Bexley residents who are struggling completely blows us away. Thank you!”
To find out more about volunteering at Mind in Bexley please visit our website page at:
