Volunteers and staff from Milestones Trust, a Bristol-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, were recognised at Care and Support West’s Care Awards 2024, which were held at Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol on 26^th September 2024. Volunteers and staff from the Trust were finalists in four award categories, with two winners and two runners up on the night.

David Colla: a winning volunteer

David Colla won in the Volunteer category for his work at one of our Fishponds-based services. David has been volunteering with the Trust since 2014, as a buddy to Shaun, one of the people we support. David has taken him on trips to all sorts of places, including for drumming lessons, to Severn Valley Railway, Weston-super-Mare, Fleet Air Army Museum, the Underfall Yard, the theatre, and many more. After over a decade of work as a buddy, the Trust is thrilled to see David’s volunteering efforts recognised.

Algirdas Morkunas goes above and beyond

Algirdas Morkunas won the Frontline Ancillary Support Award. The award is given out for maintenance or domestic work, and Algirdas was recognised for going above and beyond to look after the grounds of the Trust’s Mayo House service in Yate. One of the people Algirdas supports said “Al is so kind and has a golden heart”. Algirdas treats the service as if it was his own home and the Trust is happy to see his efforts be rewarded.

Expressions and Greengates team are Runners-up

Louise Copping took one of the runners-up places in the Activities / Wellbeing Coordinator of the Year category for her work with the Expressions arts programme. Louise hosts weekly art workshops that explore all aspects of art, from large-scale paintings and sculptures to textiles, digital art and installation. Last year the Expressions programme held an exhibition titled Modern Myths. At Expressions, everyone is given the space to communicate and express their enjoyment of being part of the group, and the Trust is pleased to see this acknowledged.

Kathy Sterling and Simon Fagg were recognised as runners-up for the Rainbow Heart award. Kathy and Simon built a positive relationship with one of the people supported at our Greengates mental health service in South Gloucestershire, leading to a breakthrough in trust that meant the individual’s depot could be administered at the service rather than in hospital. The Trust is proud of Kathy and Simon’s work together to make this happen and set a real benchmark of what excellent care and support looks like.

Bringing people close

The recognition underscores Milestones Trust’s belief that what we do is impossible without building good relationships between people. Hilary Crowhurst, Milestones’ Chief Executive said: “It’s brilliant to see our amazing volunteers and staff be recognised for their efforts. The work they do every day with the people we support is phenomenal and it’s important to celebrate their dedication. This acknowledgment inspires us to continue to bring people close and build those relationships between the people we support, and our staff and volunteers”.