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'Community Champions' recognised in Dumfries
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland today launched the 'Community Champions' Awards at a gala lunch in Dumfries for invited dignitaries, representatives of the Scottish Executive, care providers and people supported by organisation.
The award scheme acknowledges businesses and individuals in Dumfries who encourage inclusion for people experiencing mental health difficulties. People supported by the organisation provide the nominations for the two award categories: the Retail and Leisure Industry Award, won by The Lochar Inn, recognises local businesses that treat the people we support with dignity and respect. The Individual Outstanding Achievement Award, won by Harry of Harr's Cars, recognises someone who has made a positive impact by supporting an individual or group who experience mental health difficulties to become more included in the community.
Commenting on the awards, William Johnston, Manager of the Barnraws Service in Dumfries, said:
“I believe that these awards are a great opportunity to recognise the many businesses and individuals who provide excellent service to the people we support who have mental health difficulties.
"A lot of stigma is attached to mental health and I am delighted that in Dumfries there are so many supportive people in the community who treat people with dignity and respect.”
The awards coincide with Mental Health Week (9th - 15th of October) and The Richmond Fellowship Scotland hopes that they can be expanded into a national award and form the basis of a Best Practice Charter for the retail and leisure industry.
Photos: Angus McDougal