Staff at Lincolnshire Action Trust who have gone above and beyond the call of duty were praised for their efforts at the charity’s annual award ceremony.

The charity’s Staff Recognition Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who go the extra mile to support offenders and their families across the Midlands.

During the ceremony, which took place at the end of October, 11 individuals were praised for their efforts over the last 12 months, having been nominated by their peers.

Alison Goddard, LAT Chief Executive, said: “Every year I am delighted to read the nominations for our recognition awards. It’s great to hear how much our staff value one another and take the time to show their appreciation for their colleagues and the often difficult job they do.

“I’ve been humbled by the nominations which show just how innovative, passionate and committed our people truly are; they are a pleasure to work with.”

Finalists in the Individual Contribution to the Organisation category included Cherie Murray, Karen Reid, Amber Starbuck and Laura Priestly.

The winner was Serena Goddard, Employability Manager, who was praised for her outstanding support of her team whom she has coached and inspired to reach their full potential.

In addition, Serena was commended for raising the profile of the Lincolnshire Action Trust by working proactively with stakeholders in the justice system and with third-party agencies.

In the second award, which celebrates the individual or team which best embodies one or more of LAT’s values, the SPARC and Young Oasis teams were shortlisted.

Based in the custody suite at Lincoln Magistrates Court, SPARC is staffed by four experienced practitioners, Teri Kilpin, Erena Rawlins, Anna Tatton and Lauren Mumby, who also provide support as and when required to Lincoln Crown Court.

The unique initiative helps those placed on remand or convicted to serve a prison sentence by delivering an immediate assessment of their needs and providing the required support.

The team deals with mental and physical health or substance misuse issues and can contact family members to update them on the situation and arrange for children or pets to be looked after.

The quartet were praised for the care and compassion they show to offenders and their families.

However, it was Laura Priestly and Kim Thompson from Young Oasis, the support service for young people affected by parental drug or alcohol misuse, who won the award.

Alison explained that it has been a challenging year for the Young Oasis team.

“With external influences leading to significant structural and funding changes, they have had to overcome their fair share of obstacles,” she explained.

“Despite this, Laura and Kim have continued to develop the service to be responsive to the needs of the young people they work with. Outside of their usual hours the pair have also been driving fundraising activities so that this crucial service can continue.”

Laura, Kim and Serena were each presented with a trophy, a certificate and a cheque and were congratulated by the rest of the Lincolnshire Action Trust team and members of the Board.

For more information about the range of programmes being delivered by Lincolnshire Action Trust please visit the new website: www.LATcharity.org.uk

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Notes to editors:
• Established in 2000, Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is a registered charity based in Lincoln.
• LAT works with statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve the skills and employability of offenders and prisoners in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and Leicestershire.
• LAT delivers a proactive and innovative partnership approach to achieve the care, resettlement and rehabilitation of offenders, those at risk of offending and their families.
• LAT identifies client needs and gaps in current provision and designs bespoke services to address them. Services are tailored to the individual and include sessions on advice and guidance, debt and financial advice, accommodation support, employability and family support and disclosure.
• LAT hosts the UK’s only ‘departure lounge’ at HMP Lincoln, which aims to support offenders as they are released. The lounge offers a basic help package to address any immediate needs but can also provide guidance on housing, travel and other long-term needs.
• LAT receives funding from a variety of sources including Children in Need for its Children’s Support Services at HMP Lincoln.
• LAT delivers SPARC (Supporting People After Remand or Conviction) an assessment service at Lincoln Magistrates Court which addresses the immediate needs of offenders who have been sentenced.
• For more information, visit www.LATcharity.org.uk

For media information contact:
Kerri Saxby
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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