Rutherglen Reformer

Isabella’s honour

Founding member of LEAP recognised

- Edel Kenealy

A founding member of one of South Lanarkshir­e’s most treasured organisati­ons was the 2017 recipient of VASLan’s Long Service Award.

Held last week, the VASLan awards recognise those who go above and beyond for their community by volunteeri­ng for local charities and community groups.

Isabella Banks goes above and beyond for the older people of Rutherglen and Cambuslang as a founding member of the Lightburn Elderly Associatio­n Project (LEAP).

Originally from Halfway, she approached the then Strathclyd­e District Council in 1992 in a bid to win support for a project that aimed to fill the void in services and activities for older people.

She was successful and went on, with her LEAP colleagues and volunteers, to offer days out for older people, writing classes, keep fit classes and a walking group.

Today, 25 years later, it has introduced the Hands On Project, R:evolve and befriendin­g service. Together these initiative­s ensure maintenanc­e is carried out on older people’s homes and that those who feel isolated receive companions­hip and friendship.

And older people themselves have passed on their skills and knowledge to young people through the R:evolve Project. It sees older generation­s teach people how to sew and upcycle their clothing.

Explaining the first ever meeting of LEAP took place in the car of an adult education worker from the council, Isabella said: “I’m extremely proud of everything the project has put on and the ever growing communitie­s it reaches.

“It is due to the hard working and innovative staff and volunteers that this has happened, they really are fantastic.

“I was very pleased to receive the award. I was quite proud of the fact that LEAP had been recognised in that way.”

VASLan chairman Ian Barcroft said Isabella snapped up the long serving volunteer award for her pivotal role in improving the quality of life for older people. He said: “This afternoon was about highlighti­ng how much South Lanarkshir­e needs and appreciate­s its volunteers.

“Their hard work makes a huge impact on so many lives and conveys the positive impact volunteeri­ng can have on a person’s life including improving their health and wellbeing, making friends and the selfworth they gain through helping others.”

Isabelle was one of five people and organisati­ons that received an award at the VASLan Awards held at Hamilton Park Racecourse.

A judging panel, made up of representa­tives from Skills Developmen­t Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and South Lanarkshir­e Health and Social Care Partnershi­p chose the winners.

 ??  ?? Honoured Isabella received the long service award
Honoured Isabella received the long service award

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom