Two Volunteers From Annans Kate’s Kitchen Shortlisted To Receive Awards

John McCredie 

“An exceptional man with an exceptional story.”  This is how Project Manager Anne McLauchlan from Kate’s Kitchen has described John McCready, a volunteer from the Annan based charity who has been nominated and shortlisted to receive “Best Adult Volunteer Award” from Third Sector, Dumfries and Galloway. 

John, who volunteers as a janitor for the charity, was put forward by the project manager because of his amazing contribution to the charity and his ‘can do’ attitude. She explained:

“John has experienced terrible tragedy and battled severe mental health issues as a result, but continues to serve others by giving his time diligently to help those less fortunate than himself. When John was first referred to Kate’s Kitchen, he was on medication and did not get out of bed for 6 months. John took back control of his life after receiving support from the Kate’s Kitchen Team as he gained confidence and his sense of self worth improved. He became healthier and started to contribute to the work of the project.”

Describing how John’s input has made a difference to lives in his community, the manager said:

“John greets everyone with a smile, loves to pull peoples’ legs and just generally cheers people up. He arrives early to open up, puts the heating on, sweeps, mops, helps to clear up after meals and is usually the last to leave the building. His contribution to Kate’s Kitchen enables those who are in crisis or are socially isolated to access free hot food and the support they need to take back control of their lives. Kate’s Kitchen would struggle to operate effectively without John’s input.”

John has given a staggering 1,250 volunteer hours in the last year. He is now completing his Discovery Award, has a social circle outside the project with other volunteers and his life has purpose and meaning once again.

John lost his son a few years ago and says he is forever indebted to the Chair, Catherine Dale, who officiated the funeral ceremony. He thanks Kate’s Kitchen for the help and support he has received over the years. He adds:

 “Volunteering has really changed my outlook in life. I used to have panic attacks but now I am confident, fulfilled and I have developed many new skills. I just don’t want to sit around doing nothing.” 

John is also Kate’s Kitchen’s resident photographer. He never misses anything going on in the charity. He captures it all on his tablet.

Andrew Simister

Andrew Sinister is the second volunteer nominated by manager Anne McLauchlan and shortlisted by Third Sector, Dumfries and Galloway. Andrew serves as volunteer and service user representative on the Board of Trustees and is also the Health and Safety officer for the charity. His role on the Board gives him insight into how the organisation is run and he supports the Trustees to be service user lead.

Andrew was himself a service user of Kate’s Kitchen, who was initially referred to the charity by a partner organisation. He felt socially isolated and had an extreme lack of self confidence and panicked at the thought of attending sessions at an organisation like Kate’s Kitchen. Andrew suffered from anxiety and struggled to communicate.

Anne says:

“Andrew has grown and developed in many ways but his confidence levels are the greatest significant development. He recently completed both a Fire Risk and a Health and Safety Assessment of Kate’s Kitchen’s new building, ‘The Beacon’, on Bank Street in Annan. Both were huge pieces of work and reflected his growth and development since coming to the charity. His contribution is extremely valuable and he is greatly revered by both his peers and the other trustees. His volunteering means that those who are disadvantaged lead the agenda at the charity as he not only brings a personal perspective, but also represents the voice of the service users.

The Volunteers Awards ceremony will take place during Volunteers’ Week, on Thursday 2nd June, 2016 at The Usual Place in Dumfries. This is an annual event organised by Third Sector, Dumfries and Galloway, which recognises volunteers and volunteering within our region. We wish both volunteers all the best and hope they win the award in their respective categories.