CSWS are delighted to be one of twenty organisations selected by High Sheriff of West Sussex, Andy Bliss QPM, to receive a High Sheriff’s Recognition Award.
The award expresses appreciation on behalf of The Crown for the positive contributions and impact made by public spirited organisations and individuals – especially charities and volunteers – on the wellbeing and safety of local communities.
Andy Bliss said about the selection process, “During the course of my year in office during 2023/24 – I have experienced the immense privilege of visiting many charities and public sector organisations, seeing first-hand the tremendous work that they do to protect and care for people and enhance their quality of life. Above all else I have been particularly impressed by the sheer breadth and depth of volunteering by those of all ages who generously contribute to the well-being and quality of life of people in our County.
To pick just a handful of organisations to receive awards has not been an easy task as there are so many brilliant groups to choose from. I have been guided by my main focus this year which is to support those organisations that protect and care for the public in West Sussex, as well as my subsidiary aim which is to lend support to the charities which promote the County’s rich history and heritage.”
A small and informal event was hosted at Thakeham Village Hall on the 21st of March in which celebrated the outstanding contribution made by each of the award winners. Certificates of recognition and a small cash donation, funded by the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF), were presented to each winner.
There was an opportunity for each recipient organisation to speak about their work and impact. Carers Support gave a touching case study about a carer, Sarah, supported by the service. Sarah said, ‘I would not be here if it wasn’t for Carers Support.” Sarah went on to say. “I had a lovely lady called Chris who called me regularly and although I had never met her, I loved her. I used to go into my bedroom and have my phone calls with her and it made all the difference to my situation. You can say things to someone like Chris because they are outside of your box, you can say things that you wouldn’t say inside it. The support is absolutely fantastic and has made a [hell of a] difference. It’s like Carers Support are your crutch – I would say they are a walking stick – you don’t fully lean on them but they are there, and at the end of the day you use them to keep you steady.”
Carers Support CEO, Sonia Mangan, said, “We were so thrilled when we heard the news about being selected for the High Sheriff’s recognition award. It is such a wonderful gift to be recognised for the great work we do in supporting family and friend carers of West Sussex. It has provided a real boost to our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver such an important service. Thank you to SCF for the donation.”
