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British Citizen Award winner
from Liverpool
A selfless volunteer was recognised for
his lifelong community work at the House of Lords this week. Liverpool resident
Michael Bates has been awarded for his outstanding work developing a local
charity for the elderly, earning him 1 of the Country's highest accolades, a
British Citizen Award (BCA). The Awards where launched in January 2015, the BCA, in partnership with InMoment, recognises
extraordinary achievements by everyday people who have made a positive
difference to the lives of others that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.
After 15 years of dedication and volunteering for his community Michael received
his BCA Medal from Adrian Russell, Group Deputy Chairman at supporting partner
Pall-Ex, at the Palace of Westminster, on 7 July 2016. Mike developed a residents
group providing quiz nights, visits and music trips to over 10,000 people in his
community every year. As well as this, Michael is also active in his own
sheltered accommodation group and volunteers for Older Person's Enabling
Resource and Action (OPERA) in Sefton. Michael said:- "I was absolutely stunned when they told me that I was
being awarded the BCA for doing something that has given me so much joy over the
years. I've never been recognized at a prestigious level such as the BCA's. It
brings me joy to help and make a difference to the quality of life for others."
Michael has also received a Certificate from Sefton
Council recognizing the
number of hours he has spent volunteering with Sefton OPERA. Michael moved from
Kent to Liverpool 17 years ago and pursued his interest in therapies by
volunteering in Liverpool. He is a registered Reflexologist, Tai Chi instructor
and plays in a band which performs for the elderly twice a week in Sefton.
Adrian Russell, who presented the award, commented:- "Michael's work with
the elderly in his local community is inspirational. It was a pleasure to meet
him and to be able to present him with a British Citizen Award, it is truly
deserved."
The BCA is in partnership with customer experience management company, InMoment
and proud to be supported by the world's largest optical retailer and
audiologists, Specsavers; one of the largest property and leisure management,
development and regeneration companies in the UK, Places for People; leading
ethical law firm Irwin Mitchell; palletised freight company, Pall-Ex; and
creative communications group, Beattie.
October 2016 will also see the introduction of the British Citizen Youth Award,
recognising young people under the age of 16 who have positively impacted
communities or particular groups and have contributed through their own
endeavours to making a difference. Nominations can be made now until 16 September
2016.
To find out more about the BCA or British Citizen Youth Awards, and to nominate
someone for the next awards in January 2017, please visit:-
BritishCitizenAwards.co.uk.
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