National Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer
Inspirational volunteer, who has helped to create a sensory room at Cleethorpes Library for neurodiverse children and adults, celebrates after making the final of the national Seriously Social awards.
Alisha Burley, aged 19, has learning difficulties and began volunteering with Lincs Inspire Libraries last December through an arrangement with Linkage College.
Her work in helping to plan, develop and eventually launch the library’s new sensory room in July this year, has seen her recognised at a national awards ceremony held in Manchester last week, hosted by 400m Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE.
Alisha was one of only three people shortlisted in the Outstanding Volunteering category and saw her invited to a glitzy awards night, something a year ago she wouldn’t have had the confidence to attend.
Alisha said: “I had a wonderful time at the awards. Thank you for taking me. I was very proud and felt like a winner just for being able to go. I love working at the library.”
Alisha has flourished over the year, attending weekly to support the library’s children and adult social groups and to keep the sensory room in order. She is also the library’s main advocate for the space, which is available for children or young adults with sensory needs.
Anna Brader, Alisha’s library colleague and mentor, explained:
It was a pleasure to attend the Seriously Social awards alongside this beautiful mature and confident young lady.
“I am so proud to have been a part of her journey, so far, and am so pleased that we have been able to offer her a volunteering opportunity that has allowed her to shine. I am looking forward to seeing what other great things she can achieve within this role.”
Over 100 nominees were received by the organisers, Community Leisure UK. The awards help to shine a light on the social impact made by charitable trusts and their teams up and down the country.
Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said:
A huge congratulations to Alisha and to all our winners and finalists. They are a shining example of what the Charitable sector does best; putting people above profit to create positive social change for everyone in society. Alisha and all volunteers like her, allow our sector to connect even deeper into communities and encourage everyone to be involved and change their lives for the better.”
Laura Jervis, Alisha’s coach from Linkage College, said: “From the moment of telling Alisha that she had been invited to a big celebration event, the excitement was very apparent and continued to grow.
“It was an absolute pleasure and a very proud moment being there with Alisha.
“Alisha’s family were also very proud and arranged for her to have her hair done professionally, and she had chosen a new sparkly outfit for the occasion.
“Alisha enjoyed the evening and interacted with everyone, including many people she had never met before. The confidence she felt was visible, especially when meeting Sally Gunnell.
“I asked Alisha if she had found any part of the night overwhelming, Alisha said, ‘No, I’ve loved it.’”
A local celebration for Alisha is to be held at Cleethorpes Library on Wednesday, December 11, as part of the library’s Boogie, Books and Brew Christmas Concert. A group that Alisha supports at their weekly Wednesday sessions.
The Christmas Concert marks a year to the date of Alisha joining the library and the festive celebration will take place from 1pm to 1:30pm. Everyone is welcome.
