The work of volunteers and charities from around the county was celebrated at the annual Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards held at Oxford Town Hall on 15th October. Sue Harris, long-term volunteer at our Banbury recovery group, the Orchard, was among those to receive an award.
Sue helped establish the Banbury group at Orchard Way and continues to be a dedicated volunteer. Banbury recovery coordinator, Charlotte Ballard, said, ‘Sue has a lot of empathy and understanding when talking to the members about difficulties big or small. She has also been a lead in getting our allotment started and helping members to learn about gardening.’
The event marked the 80th anniversary of organisers Oxfordshire Voluntary and Community Action (OCVA). To mark the occasion OCVA presented a special 80th Anniversary Award to co-founder of Restore, Dr Peter Agulnik, for lifetime achievement. Peter was instrumental in establishing such vital Oxfordshire services as Restore, the Ley Community, Response and the Elmore Team. A retired local psychiatrist, Peter has devoted decades of his life to ensure there are services in Oxfordshire for the most vulnerable.
Restore Chief Executive, Benedict Leigh said, ‘Peter has devoted his life to creating organisations that help people and has never sought recognition for this. Without him, Restore would never have happened. He is a truly remarkable man.’
Peter said, ‘I feel very honoured to have received this award. I think the thing that gratifies me most is that the organisations that I was involved in getting started have survived and have grown over the years. That has reflected the dedication of many, many others, who have shared a vision of doing their very best for people with mental health difficulties, and who are vulnerable.’
Photo credit: Ric Mellis