First Step Trust - Positive Action Awards 2011
FST's Positive Action Awards were held on 13 October 2011. FST was delighted to have Stella English, winner of The Apprentice host the evening and present the Awards. The event took place in an unlikely venue – FST's brand new social enterprise, an MOT and garage service centre in Woolwich, SE London. It was probably the first time most of the guests had sat down to a three course dinner in a garage. Greenwich Mayor, Jim Gillman, who attended the event said: "It was a wonderful evening which showcased the garage and celebrated the hard work of people who have struggled against the odds to get back into work."
FST is a highly innovative charity that provides real work and training for people excluded from ordinary working life because of mental health issues and other disadvantages.
Stella English, who also grew up in Thamesmead, said "I'm very supportive of the work FST does because it's not only about helping people into work it's also about helping people to make their lives better."
Stella, who has also struggled against the odds, was impressed by the achievements of all the award winners. She left school at 15 without qualifications, but went on to achieve a career in banking then win the acclaimed TV series. Stella said: "Winning The Apprentice was a culmination of years of hard work, educating myself and pushing boundaries as far as I possibly could. FST recognises that it takes time for people to build up their experience and get their confidence and belief in themselves back. It also has high expectations of people which is a very positive approach."
Ronnie Wilson MBE and FST's CEO said "We believe in giving people the opportunity to not only develop up to date work skills but also experience the pressures and responsibilities of ordinary working life. I am extremely proud of what all our winners have achieved."
With its HQ in Woolwich, FST has 20 years' experience delivering employment and training services, through social enterprise, for people with mental health problems and other barriers to work.
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Winners of the six categories of Awards were:
Project of the Year
FST Salford
SMaRT Garage Services, Salford
Customer Care
FST Abbevilles
Geoff Andrews, FST Merseyside
Worker of the Year
Richard Websdale, FST Bexley
Simon, SMaRT Garage Services, Salford
Sally Lam, FST Enfield
Trevor J, FST Merseyside
Special Achievement
ND, FST Salford
Victor Dacruz, FST Enfield
Fen McColl, FST Lambeth
Carole Furnivall Award
Denver Garrison, FST Lambeth
Bob Barringer, SMaRT Garage Services, Woolwich
What people said:
Last night was fantastic! Thanks for all the hard work that went into it. I really enjoyed myself.
Well done everyone for the success of last evening. I felt it went extremely well and the feel-good factor was palpable.
Thank you so much for last night, I really enjoyed it and was really moved by the awards ceremony and the incredible stories about people's lives. It was great to talk to staff about their visionary projects, which really are helping people shape their futures. And the food was amazing... you'll be seeing me more often at Abbevilles.
Congratulations to all on a brilliant evening. It was great to meet some of the FST staff and volunteers from elsewhere and to celebrate their success.
The evening was splendid.
Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed Thursday evening.
Thank you for an excellent night last night, it was nice to be apart of your project. The food was fantastic and I wish you and First Step Trust great success for the future.
Thank you for inviting us to your Awards ceremony last night, it was excellent. We were all very impressed and I am sure that we will support FST as best we can.
I am writing to congratulate you on a fantastic evening at the Awards last night– it was a privilege to see first hand how fantastic an organisation you run. Last night was a great reminder of how important and diverse our sector is!
Huge thanks to you and the whole gang responsible for last night. It was a great evening, and I got a real boost out of it.
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Charity No1077959 Company Reg 3730562