Local People Recognised for Improving Lives of Disabled People

Warrington Disability Partnership presented awards to 10 local individuals and organisations at their 15th annual Appreciation of Efforts Awards, celebrating the International Day of Disabled People. The ceremony, held in conjunction with the Warrington Disability Partnership AGM 2009, was attended by over 100 people.

The awards which were sponsored by Business Link North West are presented in recognition of excellence and innovation in support, services and employment for disabled people. Nominations were invited from local individuals.

The 2009 winners were:

• BUPA Residential Care Home, Grappenhall
• Dave Mercer
• Debbie Norman of ‘One Stop Café’
• HMP Risley & HMP YOI Thorn Cross
• Kath Jones of ‘Long Lane Garden Centre’
• Illham’s Barbers
• St Oswalds House Nursing Home
• Starbucks, UK
• Tina Wells
• Warrington MENCAP Housing Team

Winners where invited to a presentation ceremony at Bewsey Old School where they received a framed certificate from the Mayor, Mr Brian Axcel and the awards sponsor representative Mr Mike Collins.

Dave Thompson MBE DL Founder and Chair of Trustees of Warrington Disability Partnership expressed his praise on all of the winners as he read out each nomination. Dave said “This year we received over 40 nominations which underlines the continuing success of the awards and recognises the great work that is undertaken locally in Warrington”.

During the Annual General Meeting WDP also presented awards to staff and volunteers, this year’s winners where:

• Maria McPartland – Personal Development Award
• Doreen Menzies – Personal Development Certificate
• Rachael Worrall & Ann Johnstone – Employee of the Year Award
• Eilish Yates – Volunteer of the Year Award
• Will Clements – Volunteer of the Year Certificate