A REDDITCH homelessness charity which provides a monthly cafe and a Christmas hub every year have been presented with a High Sheriff of Worcestershire award.
Radiate Redditch provides shelter, warmth and hot meals to some of the most vulnerable people in the borough, including those who find themselves homeless.
The charity was nominated for the accolade by Insp Richard Field, from the Redditch Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, for its outstanding contribution to the community after volunteering for Radiate over Christmas.
As well as the overall award, six members of the team were presented with special ‘High Sheriff of Worcestershire’ lapel badges’.
Among them were Ben Rafiqi, the chair and hub manager for seven years pre-Covid, Ian Humphray, this year’s manager for the first time but previously a volunteer at the hub and the monthly community cafe and Glenn Faeroy, head chef at this year’s hub and the cafe.
Lapel badges also went to Jeannette Laight, a recent volunteer who organises the hub rota and sources food and other donations, Sharon Forrest, the church’s hospitality and outreach worker who has overall responsibility for the kitchen and Sarah Leeson, the church and community lay pastor and Radiate secretary.
Andrew Manning-Cox, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire – King Charles III’s Worcestershire representative, presented the award on Monday evening during a celebratory event at the Ecumenical Centre.
He said: “I am delighted to present the award in recognition of the work they continue to do to combat homelessness in Redditch.
“Their watchword is warmth of support and that permeates all they do to make lives better.
“The staff, volunteers and trustees go above and beyond to help their clients and do so not for personal reward, but because they are dedicated to make a difference to Worcestershire.
“I salute them all and take great pleasure in making my award.”
Mayor of Redditch, Coun Ann Isherwood, said: “I am constantly in awe of the people of Redditch and the community service they give.
“I had the opportunity to do a shift at the Radiate Cafe just before I became a councillor.
“The service, care and compassion shown by the volunteers is second to none. They are exemplars of going the extra mile to serve others.”
Sarah said everyone was delighted and honoured to receive the award, adding she could not thank the volunteers enough.
“We are a small community group completely run and supported by a wonderful team of over 100 volunteers.”
The Christmas Hub was run by 64 volunteers and served 250 meals over seven days.
The charity – which an ethos of ‘creating the warmth of community’ – receives no grant funding and is totally reliant on people’s generosity to cover costs.
Radiate Redditch began as a night shelter in 2011 and has now progressed to the hub and community cafe, offering daytime drop-in services.
For more on the charity, go to the ‘Radiate Redditch – Creating the Warmth of Community’ Facebook page.
Visit gofundme.com/f/radiate-redditch to donate.
