An event to thank for acts of kindness.
Leicester-based mental health charity, Lamp (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project) hosted its inaugural Acts of Kindness Awards at Winstanley House this week.
The event, which took place on December 1, was a thank you to individuals and businesses that supported the charity during 2021.
Sponsors included Mattioli Woods, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Hastings Direct and Tokio Marine HCC.
It was attended by around 60 guests including community fundraisers, Lamp Business Club members and general supporters.
The event raised funds to help Lamp support people with access to mental health services.
Richard Kotulecki, Lamp’s CEO said: “It was wonderful to be able to welcome people to this event, reflect on the support that we’ve received in this most difficult of years and give our thanks.
"We truly appreciate the donations and support that we receive which enable our team to make a difference to people who need help with their mental health advocacy.
“We wanted to show how grateful we are to all of our supporters and the awards were a small way of acknowledging those who really went above and beyond.”
The event included an afternoon tea, a silent auction, and the chance to meet members of the team and hear about the work that the charity does.
The awards ceremony got underway with awards presented to the following people:
Acts of Kindness in the Community - Pete Martin from Pete Martin Photography
Judges said: "Pete always goes above and beyond to support local charities and communities, as well as being an integral man of kindness in the business world.
"He is always keen to support charity events, either with attendance or offering his photography skills to benefit charities such as Lamp and Focus."
Commenting on what it means to have won an Acts of Kindness award, Pete Martin from Pete Martin Photography said: "Firstly, to actually be nominated was not only a surprise, but a huge honour.
"There were also three other amazing nominees, one of them a good friend of mine.
"When I heard my name called out, I actually thought it was a mistake! I thought, I just do what I do, and what feels and comes naturally to me.
"So to be recognised and acknowledged for that is a wonderful thing.
"I look forward to working alongside Lamp in the future, seeing where this journey takes ‘us’ and what else can be achieved."
Acts of Kindness in the Workplace - Nicky Gascoigne and Colin Fyfe from Hinckley & Rugby Building Society
Judges said: "Hinckley & Rugby Building Society were an integral part of the success of the Lamp 5k campaign.
"Not only did they sponsor the event, they were keen to be actively involved from start to finish.
"They contributed a number of factors that raised the profile of Lamp, mental health awareness and the event itself.
"So much so, the 5k won a community champion award.
"Colin Fyfe has been a real asset to Lamp by chairing our Business Club bringing together local businesses to consider better mental health in the workplace.
"The club now has 55 members since it first came together in March 2020"
CEO Awards of Kindness - Kath Haines
Judges said: ‘Kath has been an absolute asset to Lamp during the year, providing much needed support on the reporting element on the charity’s accounts.
"She has attended and supported every Lamp campaign and even raised over £400 during Lamp’s 5k.
"Not only has she offered her free time to support Lamp, she has also devoted a lot of her time to the Community Christ Church in Leicester (known as the Little Blue Church).’
Kindness Champion Award - Councillor Ted Parton for Loughborough Southfields Ward
Presented by Lamp service user Deborah Houston, who said: "Ted’s knowledge, teachings and wisdom over the years have helped me to become a very strong, independent woman.
"He has never given up on me. He helps so many vulnerable people in Loughborough.
"He continues to help and support me by phone every day and has done this for 16 years, even though he has a mental health disorder himself and a very busy life.”
Written by Emily Miller
Emily is a Senior Journalist for Niche Magazine with over a decade of journalism experience. She enjoys going to gigs, visiting galleries and walking in all weathers.
