14th February 2024 –

Milestones Trust, which supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, recently held a celebratory gala dinner in recognition of those individuals at the Trust who have either gone above and beyond in their roles, or who have achieved long service with the charity.

The event, held at the Aztec Hotel and Spa on 2^nd February 2024 brought together staff, volunteers and guests in an evening of appreciation and gratitude as the charity showcased its commitment to recognising excellence within its team. Long Service Awards were presented to those members of the team who have devoted a significant amount of their lives to delivering excellent care, while Extra Mile Awards were given to individuals and teams who were nominated by colleagues for the real and positive difference they’ve made in the lives of the people we support.

Matthew Hall was one of those individuals nominated for an Extra Mile Award for his commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for people supported at Tramways, one of Milestones’ mental health services. A family member emailed to say that he was a great asset to both Tramways and the Trust, and that Milestones was lucky to have someone of such high calibre and commitment in the organisation. In their email they expressed their gratitude for the support Matthew had given their sister, which included a bespoke support plan that they credit with saving her eyesight, and a footcare treatment plan that made a huge difference to her mobility.

Hilary Crowhurst, Chief Executive at Milestones said:

“The Extra Mile and Long Service Awards is one of the highlights of my year. It really is inspirational. Life changing work, such as Matthew’s is happening across our Trust every day, and it’s important to me that we highlight and recognise this. It’s wonderful hearing just how far above and beyond so many of our staff and volunteers go in supporting our people and our charity.”

Matthew himself said:

“It was a really good evening. The Trust did a really nice job of showing staff that their efforts are appreciated and that people are valued.”

As well as certificates of appreciation, award recipients were also presented with coasters that were handmade at Expressions, Milestones’ art provision for people supported by the Trust, and gift vouchers.

The evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from some of Milestones’ suppliers, including event partner Dayforce, and Harvey, Neuven, Tower Fire, Guided Innovation, Auditel, Marr Procurement, Barclays, RWK Goodman, and Howden.

Rachel Moffat from Dayforce said:

“It was an fantastic to sponsor Milestones Trust and  attend the  Extra Mile and Long Service Awards.  It was such a great event and humbling to hear all the many stories about the award winners and how they have made such a difference to the lives of the people they support, also to witness and ‘feel’ how well Milestones Trust employees work so well in their teams and were delighted to celebrate their colleagues’ successes.”

Stephen Pownall from Neuven said:

“It was a pleasure to attend the awards evening as sponsor and guest. The winners have achieved some remarkable things for the people Milestones supports – The evening was incredible and very moving! Neuven are a proud partner of Milestones Trust and are thrilled to be a sponsor of the event.”

Christoph Marr from Marr Procurement said:

“Celebrations like the Milestones Extra Mile and Long Service Awards are so important in recognising true achievement, commitment, and dedication.  It was a privilege to sponsor such an important event.”

Rob Walton from RWK Goodman said:

“I was delighted to attend the Extra Mile and Long Service Awards on behalf of RWK Goodman. I was struck by the positive atmosphere and how everyone supported and celebrated each other’s achievements. I believe the awards really helped bring people together and I thought it was fantastic that the individuals and teams were recognised for all the hard work they put in. I look forward to the event next year!”

Charlotte Rawsthorne from Howdens said:

“Howden were delighted to support these awards, providing recognition to some worthy winners. As an employee-owned business, we recognise that it is often the people that make an organisation great. The support the Trust provides is invaluable, achieved only by the hard work of its staff. Well done all!”

Milestones extends its deepest gratitude to all of the sponsors, supporters, and attendees who made the gala dinner and staff award ceremony such a success. The Trust looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing its mission to support people to live their best lives and celebrating even more achievements next year!