Achievement marked at vocational awards
● A SPECIAL awards ceremony was held in Widnes as people were recognised for their employment and volunteering achievements.
Vocational Support is part of national social care charity Community Integrated Care.
It helps people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health concerns and autism to find rewarding paid or voluntary work opportunities.
A total of 50 people from across Merseyside and Cheshire attended the awards event at the Select Security Stadium, home of Widnes Vikings.
Guests received a warm welcome from Vikings chief executive James Rule who personally thanked volunteers who sell programmes for the club on match days.
Every person supported by Vocational Support was awarded with a Certificate Of Achievement, commending their success in the workplace, volunteering efforts and determination to lead more independent lives.
Joe Moore joined Vocational Support 20 years ago and with their support he has flourished in his job at McDonald’s.
He now attends work independently and received a Certificate For Independence at the awards.
On receiving his award, Joe said: “Thank you to everyone at Vocational Support, they’ve been the best to me.
“I’m so happy to have got this award.”
A special surprise came when Widnes Vikings’ players Olly Ashall and vice-captain Tom Gilmore, made an appearance to personally congratulate the award winners, taking time to sign autographs and have their photos taken with them.
As a special gesture from Widnes Vikings, everyone was invited to their game against Leigh Centurians that evening, the first rugby league experience for many of the guests.
Community Integrated Care’s regional manager North West Liz Donnelly said: “It’s been fantastic to meet so many inspirational people today, we’re so proud of their commitment and achievement. Well done to our dedicated Vocational Support team for helping people achieve their dreams and aspirations.
“I’d like to thank our partners, Widnes Vikings, for not only providing fantastic work opportunities for the people we support, but for their generosity in donating tickets for today’s match and arranging for the players to meet our guests.”
For more information visit www.c-i-c.co.uk/vocationalsupport ●