Couple win award for their volunteer work
A Horsham couple whose volunteer work with Syrian refugees and other vulnerable people has seen them described as‘ shining examples’ have won a prestigious award.
Jane and David Casey, members of London Road Methodist Church in Horsham, have been named among Methodist Insurance’s 11 regional winners in its national Church Volunteer Awards.
They beat hundreds of other nominees, winning a £1,000 prize for their church, and they will now go forward to a national final where they stand to win even more.
The couple have been helping Syrian families relocated to the area with the town’s refugee support group.
Church steward Helen Currington, who nominated them, said: “Jane teaches the refugees English, while David helps decorate their homes. They befriend these vulnerable people, helping them with appointments, negotiating red tape and organising children’s outings.
“They both work on the Horsham churches night shelter, and on our church summer holiday club. David is part of the Open the Book team, while Jane runs our mother-and-toddler group, managing other volunteers.
“She also works on the Alzheimer’s Society’s Time for Dementia project, linking medical undergraduates with people with dementia and their carers.
“David’s a church steward, and a member of the council and leadership teams, as well as the property mission team – he also helps with DIY where needed! And then he leads the church Scout group – Sixth Horsham – and volunteers with the Horsham green gym which improves the environment in and around Horsham.
“They’re both shining examples of volunteering in the church and the wider community.”
Talking about the work she and her husband do with refugees, Jane Casey said: “They’ve come from absolutely terrible situations, often arriving here bewildered and unable to speak English.
“Some can’t even read or write Arabic. We see it as our duty as Christians to welcome them and help them to settle in in any way we can.”
She said they were ‘humbled’ by the award, adding: “We’re retired, so we have more time to give,” she said. “There are many volunteers in the church, all doing their best to spread God’s love.”
To vote for David and Jane to be the national winners, visit www. methodist insurance. co.uk/volunteerawards/
Voting is open until July 15 with the winner being revealed in October where they will receive an additional £2,000 donation for their church.