Volunteer helping to change lives wins award

Mr Morris, from Llanfair Waterdine, near Knighton, in Mid Wales, was handed The Card Shed's David Price award, which recognises a person who has helped change the lives of adults in a community for the better.

The Cart Shed is a charity based just over the border in north Herefordshire, which offers opportunities to try something new and improve well-being.

That includes finding friendships, a sense of belonging and a place of calm, in a supportive caring environment.

Mr Morris uses his experience and skills to enable the most anxious and apprehensive participants to come in to the woodland and join the activities.

Over the years he has helped hundreds of individuals who attend the weekly sessions find friendship and a future.

Mr Morris said he was delighted to receive the award, adding: "I was quietly embarrassed at first. The Cart Shed achieves what it does through some amazing team work.

"There are some very dedicated members of staff who are supported by a raft of equally dedicated volunteers, all of whom bring different skills and experience to the mix.

Thrilled

"Plus, there are the amazing participants themselves who all help massively with mutual support and skill sharing for each other."

Katie Eastaugh, The Cart Shed’s Chief Executive, said: “The whole team have been thrilled by Phil’s award.

"The comments received from colleagues, fellow volunteers and in particular our participants bear testament to his wonderful spirit and generosity.

"We have maintained a service for all our participants from the day lockdown was announced, including weekly phone calls.

"Many of our volunteers became volunteer buddies, ensuring everyone was safe, had what they needed, and importantly someone on the end of the phone every week.

"Phil was of course a big part of this effort. The support has continued by creating woodland and horticulture courses that could be delivered to people’s homes and taught via phone, email or through closed facebook groups."