VOLUNTEER CATEGORY: A resident who goes out of his or her way to provide a crucial community service in a voluntary capacity

Eighty-three-year-old Christopher McDermott is part of the Idle Dementia Friendship Group, using his experiences of dementia to try to help others.

For eight years he had nursed his wife Doreen through Alzheimer’s until she died in 2013.

People attend with their carers and are able to share their own stories.

He also helps to lead walks around Thackley Buck Wood.

The pensioner, of Eccleshill, has been nominated by Bradford East ward officer Daren Parr at Bradford Council, who said: “Chris is a person who wants to help others going through difficult times, particularly those living with dementia.”


Helping children at a Bradford primary school improve their reading skills, is what has led to Lesley Matthews being nominated.

She has been visiting Atlas Community Primary School on a twiceweekly basis for more than eight years as a volunteer reader. Not only does Mrs Matthews support vulnerable children at the school who have fallen behind with their reading, she also offers whole class reading sessions. Mrs Matthews has been nominated by Caroline Carr, the head teacher, who says: “Mrs Matthews is a dedicated and kind volunteer who works very hard to engage the children in her group. She is a real gem and we are so grateful.”


A volunteer public governor for Bradford District Care Trust, Nick Smith  plays a proactive role in ensuring the voice of service users is heard. He has also been a voluntary member of the Haven Steering Group at The Cellar Trust, an organisation which works with people recovering from mental health problems.

He has also established a popular group in Keighley, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan group, part of the Champions Show the Way project, led by volunteer health champions.

Mr Smith, who has mental health difficulties himself, has been nominated by Kim Shutler-Jones, of The Cellar Trust, who says: “Nick is full of enthusiasm for using his skills to change the way in which people in Bradford receive mental health support.”

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