On Tuesday, March 12 East Sussex high sheriff, Richard Bickersteth, awarded Rother Voluntary Action (RVA) an award for their outstanding contribution to the communities in which they work.
RVA supports, advises, champions and celebrates hundreds of community groups, individuals, charities and social enterprises across Rother that make a difference in the community. They do this through a range of projects, funding advice and training.
When giving the award to RVA, the high sheriff said: “I have been so impressed when I met the staff and trustees and all I have seen of the work that you [RVA] have initiated, supported or directed me to as I have undertaken my shrieval year. Thank you.”
Kim Richards, RVA CEO, accepted this award on behalf of all of Rother’s third sector recognising that the RVA could not do their work in the region without the persistence, skill and energy of these organisations and their volunteers.
She said: “Everyone at RVA is very proud of this award as it demonstrates the commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm of what RVA is about. It’s lovely to be recognised for this, and to accept this on behalf of all the brilliant organisations and individuals in Rother that make such a difference to the people that live here. We don’t know what we’d do without them.
“‘I’m going to take this opportunity to say thank you because the work, the motivation and the innovation of the community and volunteer organisations has become increasingly impressive and essential as we move into more and more difficult times. People who are filling gaps in services, people who are absolutely relied upon and trusted to deliver essential services that support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“Every day we are privileged to meet and support individuals and organisations whose dedication to their communities ensures that people are fed, warm, connected and cared for and they do so in ways that do not stigmatise and that aim to leave no one behind. This is what levelling up looks like! And I am accepting this award on their behalf.”
Image Credits: Rother Voluntary Action .
Rother Voluntary Action RVA – absolutely deserve this recognition. Huge Congratulations to all the team.
I first met Alice Davey at RVA 2 years ago.
I happened to be in Bexhill – can’t remember why.
Spotted the RVA office, walked in on the off chance and shared my ideas with Alice.
Within 48hrs Alice I received a call from Jackie Saul Hunt. That was it. Starting gates opened. We were off.
Jackie – along with other members of their team, Annette ( MOPPS) Joyce, Peter, Mandy, Betty designed our logo ( marketing) ex CEO Claire and current CEO Kim have all supported me over the last 2 years.
Last October, FAiR – Friends Altogether in Rother received a Making It Happen grant. 1 more Grant and 2 substantial donations allowed us to start by developing Tilling, Tea and Cake – a Saturday Social every 3rd Saturday each month at the Tilling Green Community Centre.
We provide professional advice on Health & Wellbeing along with locally baked cakes and pastries. March 23rd our Murder Mystery Lunch.
Our new Community Volunteer Training Coordinator – Kathy, is setting up our Befriending service which we hope to launch ‘softly’ mid June.
Add four talented and supportive trustees and 14 volunteers and here we are.
None of this could proceed without people volunteering their time freely but RVA were the catalyst.
Their guidance, support, encouragement, introductions, network meetings and kindness and more deserve this recognition.
Thank you RVA. You are the best.