Alex Don – Volunteer at Life After Stroke (LAS), Barnstaple

Why Alex was nominated:

“Alex is the lead volunteer for the North Devon Active Stroke group. She is very dedicated and is constantly looking for funding to ensure the group continues and is able to offer activities. She has investigated new opportunities and pursuits for the group, continuing to ask members what they would like to do. She is an amazing volunteer who works tirelessly on behalf of the group. She is also passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities which match their capabilities.”

LAS are a stroke support activities group covering the North Devon area. They provide a safe and supportive space to try things again, to learn more about stroke and self-care and to build confidence as you rebuild your life after stroke. The group take part in a range of activities, including archery, surfing (for those able), golf, and wheelchair basketball.

Angelique Aldworth – Volunteer at Teignmouth Rugby Football Club

Why Angelique was nominated:

“Our coach, Angelique has made Rugby accessible to our girls in Teignmouth. The Under 18s Girls Rugby team empowers girls to play their best game and live their best life, with expert coaching. Angelique is passionate about sharing her knowledge whilst nurturing and developing young female rugby talent.”

Teignmouth Rugby Club is one of Devon’s oldest clubs and has a healthy mixture of teams attracting an array of talented and aspiring rugby players across the county. They have a devoted following and a leading commitment to rugby. There are two senior men’s and women’s teams, u18s girls and boys plus juniors from six to sixteen years old.

Vicky Harris – Volunteer at Cranbrook Strollers

Why Vicky was nominated:

“Vicky encourages families to get out the house and keep active when it’s really difficult to, as well as keeping it fun and a fab opportunity to make friends. She has offered her own time to almost double the amount of walks available to families in the town. She has also secured funding to increase the activities offered by the group which in turn increases access to the group for a number of families. Cranbrook Strollers has become so popular that it has now started to capture families from outside of Cranbrook.”

Cranbrook Strollers is a relaxed walking group for parents with toddlers and babies. The group provides a perfect opportunity for parents to meet other parents and let the children socialise together whilst exploring the beautiful country park. They meet regularly on Fridays and Wednesdays, and they also offer a Dad’s Stroll once a month.

David Cameron – Volunteer at HealthScape CIC

Why David was nominated:

“Without him we would not be able to carry out all the events we do in order to support our local communities with their mental health and wellbeing. Our reputation as an organisation has been raised due to the high standard of safety we operate at. This is thanks to David’s hard work.”

HealthScape provides social support and opportunities to enhance people’s mental health and wellbeing in the local community. The team aims to offer a variety of experiences using natural surroundings on and around the coast. They are a small informal group of individuals who have discovered the benefits from the sea and outdoors through their individual journeys.

Jack Littlejohns – Volunteer at Barnstaple Ability Football Club

Why Jack was nominated:

“The difference that Jack has made has been phenomenal. He’s always there to make sure that everyone at the football club not only enjoys playing football but can talk about any personal issues the players might have in their daily lives. He is fantastic at motivating others and has been creating fundraising projects for disabled people at the club. I have nominated Jack because he is just phenomenal at everything he does for the club. Not only does he want the club to have a bright future, but he also wants disabled people to thrive by playing sports and helping them to achieve anything they set their hearts upon. We have many different people who have said that Jack is incredible at what he does, always being there as a friend, a mentor and a volunteer.”

Barnstaple Ability Football Club is a non-profit, self-funding football club for adults (16yrs +) with additional needs and disabilities. Currently, the football club has one lady’s team and four male teams, with over 45 players. Our coaches and helpers are local DBS checked volunteers who together give us over 400 hours every month of priceless time and skills. The teams train every week 5.45pm to 6.45pm (in Barnstaple) and participate in monthly football league fixtures in the Devon Ability Counts League against other disability football teams across Devon. They welcome any player that cannot access mainstream football, with any disability. Many of their young disabled adults struggle to access any other form of exercise, or fresh air, or the excitement of competition, and they also make new friends. The club won The Devon FA Club of the Year, which proves our ethos is exactly what the FA are looking for in encouraging everybody to be able to play football and have fun.