Published on: 11th March 2015
A volunteer who helps coordinate activities for adults in a local NHS mental health unit has scooped an award at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s annual recognition awards, held last Thursday (March 5) at The Doubletree by Hilton in Lincoln.
William Burkitt, from near Louth, gives his spare time to help support music activities for the patients on the ward, at Francis Willis Unit in Lincoln. William makes the effort to get to know each person as an individual and through the medium of music; helps raise their confidence and self-esteem.
One of his nominators said:
It's difficult to put into words what a difference William has made to us here at the Francis Willis Unit but he is a genuinely caring and wonderful young man who is a fabulous role model for the patients who reside here.
William, who has been a volunteering with the Trust in between studying at Lincoln University, said:
I’m very honoured and surprised to receive this award. I thank everyone who has supported and nominated me. Being a volunteer is a very rewarding use of my time and I encourage anybody to consider volunteering.
Trust Chairman, Eileen Ziemer-Cottingham, said:
The awards ceremony was a fantastic celebration of the hard work of all of our staff and volunteers, who continue to provide the best care possible to our service users. I felt extremely proud hearing about their achievements and would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees once again.
Nearly 200 staff and volunteers were nominated by colleagues, patients, carers, charitable partners and the public for awards in 12 categories based around the Trust’s core values and services.
The awards were generously sponsored by: Silverlink Software, Browne Jacobson, University of Lincoln and Bevan Brittan.
| Chairman's Award | Jon Wilson Staff Nurse, Ward 12, Boston |
| General Adult Services Employee of the Year | Susan Bole Administrator/Crisis Worker, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Lincoln |
| General Adult Team of the Year | steps2change, Derbyshire |
| Specialist Services Employee of the Year | Anita Laskey Activities Coordinator, Langworth Ward, Lincoln |
| Specialist Services Team of the Year | Ash Villa, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Sleaford |
| Support Services Employee of the Year | Sophie Ford Equality & Diversity Lead |
| Support Services Team of the Year | E-Forms Implementation Team |
| Inclusivity Award | Jo Poskitt Administrator, Learning Disabilities, Lincoln |
| Inspirational Leader | Jane McLean, Head of Leadership |
| Innovation of the Year | North East Lincs Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services |
| Outstanding Newcomer | Emma Woodmansey Apprentice, Project and Performance Team |
| Volunteer of the Year | William Burkitt volunteer, Francis Willis Unit, Lincoln |
