Proud of Bucks – Presenting the Award for ‘Community Hero’
From individuals doing their bit in their local area to groups and organisations who have come together to support whole communities, the Proud of Bucks awards were created in order to shine a light on the great work going on across the county in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
As sponsors of the awards, The Clare Foundation were thrilled to be able support Bucks Council in choosing the winners and also presenting the ‘Community Hero’ Award.
Mike Clare, Founder and Chairman at The Clare Foundation was delighted to meet Eleanor O’Connor & Louise Chamberlain (All Together Community). “It was great to hear of the good work that ‘All Together Community’ are doing in the Chalfont St Giles village and it’s an example for so many other villages and towns in the UK. I was pleased to see the runner’s up posters in various shop windows which really shows how the community come together and support one another.”
All together Community (Eleanor O’connor & Louise Chamberlain) offers support to young mothers and elderly people by bringing them together to reduce social isolation, improve mental health and bring the community together. As the threat of COVID 19 approached, Ellie joined forces with Louise to offer her knowledge and expertise to bring together known volunteers in the village who usually helped with other village charitable events. Ellie’s knowledge of fundraising and applying for grants saw her skills being put to immediate use in finding sources of funding and liaising with organisations who could offer assistance but found it difficult to identify those being directly affected by the pandemic.
Between 20 March and the end of August this group helped 462 families within the villages of Chalfont St Giles, Seer Green and Jordans. The gradual release of lockdown and restrictions has shown that the needs identified still exist and will exist well into the future and Louise, Ellie and their team will continue to provide whatever support is necessary, continuing to flex and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape which is the new normal.
“At The Clare Foundation our ethos is all about working with partners to create positive change in Buckinghamshire. The Proud of Bucks awards show that there is a wonderful spirit of community in Buckinghamshire. Well done to everyone who was nominated and to all the winners and those who were highly commended.“ says Martin Gallagher, CEO of The Clare Foundation.
A full list of winners can be found on the Bucks Council website. You can also watch a video featuring the winners and highly commended candidates receiving their awards and certificates.
