For the last four years the Western Gazette has held the Pride Awards to celebrate organisations and members of society they feel have contributed to the community in a meaningful or remarkable way. This year they’ve teamed up with Yarlington Housing Group (along with other sponsors) and shortlisted us for the ‘Community Project’ category! It doesn’t end there either: WATCH volunteer Matthew Barnes was also a finalist for the ‘Local Hero’ award! Both of these nominations were especially flattering because they came from outside the Project.
The event was hosted by Emma Britton and held at Hazelbury Mill in Crewkerne on Friday the 4th December inside what looked like a converted Barn. It’s cliché to say but everyone present was worthy of recognition (whether they won or not) and it was wonderful to be sat in a room full of so many inspiring individuals. Acknowledgement is reward enough and they all deserve a spot on some teenager’s bedroom wall.
For those of you willing this author to get on with it and spill the beans, The WATCH Project didn’t actually win the ‘Community Project’ award – that honour went to the Domestic Abuse Team, and from our experience talking to them, the accolade sounds well deserved!
Matthew, however, not only won the ‘Local Hero’ category but a completely unexpected ‘Special Award’ presented at the end by sponsors Yarlington. Nobody who found their name hidden inside a gold envelope gave a speech but Matthew did present a very loud and audible series of “What[s]?!” that echoed round the room on announcement to signal his surpise.
He ran out of ways to express gratitude on the day, but for those not there, Matthew would like to thank again:
- The WATCH Project and it’s members who have helped him on his journey over the years. (“I’ve given you my time but you’ve given back so much more.”)
- WATCH Manager Julie Matthews. (“She taught me that clinical help can only signpost you through life; real growth comes from experience and she was there to guide me through it.”)
- Companies like Yarlington for their continued support. Without that assistance, communities like ours would struggle to survive. He cites having somewhere to go once a week as a vital part of his survival. (“We help members help themselves, but they help us help them.”)
- On a lighter note, he would also like to thank the Dinosaurs (they died so we could live) and the postman for delivering his pre-ordered videogame late three years ago. If it had been more punctual, he may not have found himself bored and feeling productive in 2012. (“It’s funny what amazing opportunities life presents you when you’re busy waiting for something else.”)
The full list of winners can be found here on the Western Gazette website along with their presentation videos.
[Header image provided by Len Copland who was the photographer on the day. More candid pictures will follow once we get permissions!]
