Eco-friendly volunteer wins regional award
James Gratrex from Craegmoor’s Bank Hall Farm service in Winsford has won a V-Involved award for his eco-friendly volunteering efforts at Delamere Forest in Cheshire. James has been working at the forest for just over two months and at the glitzy V-Inspired award ceremony the great impact James has made was celebrated. James was presented with his award by Gordon Baxendale Mayor of Cheshire East and his wife Felicity.
James has been supported by the team at Bank Hall Farm for the last three years and his work at the forest consists of everything from litter picking to working in the gift shop. Craegmoor supports around 4,000 people across the UK who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs and mental illnesses.
Delamere Forest is Cheshire’s largest area of woodland, comprising of over 950 hectares of forest, open grassland and wetlands. James began working there after getting in touch with V-Inspired. V-Inspired connects 16-25 year olds with volunteering opportunities in England; they found James his volunteering placement which he really enjoys.
With support from Bank Hall Farm, James is thriving in his part time role, developing new skills and making new friends.
James said:
“I really enjoy the work I do at Delamere Forest and to win an award for it is great!”
“Working at Delamere has been fantastic - I get to meet new people and be part of a great project. It’s thanks to everyone’s support at Craegmoor that I’ve been able to help look after such a wonderful forest.”
Notes for Editors
Craegmoor supports over 4,000 people with learning disabilities, autism, complex needs and mental health illnesses, as well as older people.
This is the fourth year in a row that Craegmoor has held the Artist of the Year Awards. This year’s overall winner was Rob Hooper, who won with his painting of a tiger.
The wide range of services offered by Craegmoor include:
- Supported living services
- Residential care
- Specialist further education colleges
- Transition services
- Independent hospitals
- Recovery centres
- Nursing homes
- Specialist brain injury services
- Independent living in secure accommodation
- Craegmoor is the leading independent providers of specialist support in the UK with a turnover of approximately £170m and employing over 6,000 people
Working alongside Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities, Craegmoor constantly strives to design and deliver new needs-led services, which focus on the principles of choice and independence, enabling people to live with their local community and have fulfilled lives
In addition to these partnerships, Craegmoor also believes that it is incredibly important to work closely with the people who use its services, their families and carers. People using Craegmoor services can expect staff to be passionate about working with them to achieve their personal goals.