‘First-class’ carer Chris wins award
LOUGHBOROUGH District Scouts are looking to recruit more volunteers to bring down a waiting list of youngsters wanting to join.
Organisers are calling on prospective volunteers to “change your life in 2022” by providing opportunities for young people to gain life skills and have adventures.
A Loughborough District Scouts spokesman said: “Due to Covid a generation has started to miss out, so we need new leaders to support the young people’s needs.
“Across our Loughborough District young people up to 18 years, both boys and girls, are on waiting lists and cannot join because of the lack of volunteers.” of activities you have not previously been able to take part in, or you may have done in the past and can now indulge yourself;
■ Share your skills and knowledge and thereby enhance our communities;
■ Gain a new sense of purpose and become happier;
■ Boost your selfesteem and even try new activities;
■ Advance your career or retirement by Scouts spokesman improving your abilities;
■ Keep your body and brains active and happy – whether that’s by scaling mountains, sharing skills or serving tea.
Volunteers can give as much or as little of their time as possible. Flexible volunteering allows adults to fit their involvement in with their other commitments.
“Volunteering has been found to be good for individuals own health and is therefore good for you in a variety of ways,” said the spokesman.
■ Organisers say becoming a volunteer presents the following opportunities:
■ Meet new people of all ages and help build the wider Scouting community;
■ Gain knowledge and understanding
The spokesman said: “The most rewarding aspect of adult volunteering in Scouting is seeing young people achieve something they thought was beyond them, like rock climbing or spending their first night camping in a tent away from home.
“If you want to charge your life in 2022 then, it is the right time to volunteer with us in Loughborough scouting.
“Such volunteering gives something positive to the community and provides support to the young people who have been limited during the pandemic.”
To take part in volunteering, see the website below, or email the district commissioner at
A CARER’S work in supporting people with dementia and complex mental health issues has earned her an award.
Chris Smalley has been recognised in the adult social care category of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s Caring at its Best awards.
A personal assistant with Coalville-based care provider Enrych, Chris is the inaugural winner of this category in the awards.
She said: “I’m so happy to have won this but there are lots of other carers out there just as deserving, so it’s as much an award for them.”
Since joining Enrych in 2014, Chris has supported many people. The role of personal assistant involves helping a person with care needs to live independently in their own home and be a part of the community.
Councillor Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adult social care, who made the award, said: “The kindness and friendship which Chris shows has made a huge difference to people’s lives and it’s heart-warming to know that her efforts have been recognised.
“I’d like to thank all our care and support professionals for their continued work to help protect the most vulnerable”.
Chris was nominated for the award by Bev Cowley, Enrych’s head of community development, who said: “Over the years, Chris has supported many people with complex mental health issues and each and every one of them receives firstclass support.
“Nothing is too much trouble for Chris and she takes time to find out about an individual such as researching information on their condition and exploring things that will interest them and brighten their day.”
To find out more about the opportunities that a career in social care can bring, visit
Due to Covid a generation has started to miss out, so we need new leaders to support the young people’s needs.