Two Swindon volunteers have each been given a ‘hidden heroes’ award after being nominated by the charity they support.
Angela Proctor and Jim McCloud both volunteer with Big Breakfast Plus, which provides breakfasts seven days a week for homeless and hungry people in Swindon, operating from the Pilgrim Centre in Regent Street.
Big Breakfast Plus nominated Angela and Jim for ‘hidden heroes’ awards from Room To Reward, which offers hotel breaks for inspirational volunteers as a way of saying thank you.
Now, Jim and his wife Doreen, and Angela and her husband John, will both be able to go on separate breaks in the UK.
Charlotte Mannion, who recently stepped down as Chair of Trustees of Big Breakfast Plus, said: “We are blessed with wonderful volunteers here who ensure we are able to offer a cooked breakfasts to our guests, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“Angela goes above and beyond, taking home washing and recycling, and even when we have incidents of challenging behaviour from our guests – which are rare – she always remains calm and non-judgmental, ably managing the situation.”
Of Jim, the charity’s longest-serving volunteer, Charlotte said: “He is supportive with our guests who have enormous respect for him, taking time to talk so everyone feels wanted and welcomed. Volunteers love working on his shift because he always takes the trouble to ensure they are comfortable with their tasks and that everyone is enjoying themselves whilst delivering the breakfast service.”
The pair were also chosen by Big Breakfast Plus to accept The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which the charity was presented with, on behalf of the King, by Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton. The award itself is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Jim said it was an honour to accept The King’s Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Big Breakfast Plus, as well as receive the hidden heroes award from Room To Reward.
Jim said: “I didn’t expect it, and I am sure there are people who do much more than I do. I am one of the longest-serving and one of the oldest, and I do like to think I make a difference. The Room To Reward award was a nice surprise too – it’s not often I get a certificate at my age!”
Angela, who has been volunteering for three years, added: “It was lovely to receive this award along with Jim. I get such a lot out of volunteering, I feel so passionate about it, and my family say it does me good too.”
For more about Big Breakfast Plus, volunteering opportunities, and how to support the charity, visit https://bigbreakfastplus.org.uk/.
Article by Jo Smyth, Word Worker
