New Milton Advertiser 15th Jan 2021

12 · Friday 15th January 2021

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THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF A PAID-FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UK GOVERNMENT

‘INSPIRING’ CHAMPIONSOF COMMUNITIESHONOURED

“The 2021 NewYear Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognisemany who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country. “As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all.” n Formore information onHonours recipients, go to gov.uk/honours

youngsters, the elderly and those with disabilities. Those working in libraries, education and community arts also received recognition. PrimeMinister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when somany havemade sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours are awelcome reminder of the strength of human spirit and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

recognised champions of sport as well as stars of stage and screen but this year, more than ever, it is ordinary people who have been recognised alongside them. Among the deserving recipients are leading lights who have battled to save lives and keep the NHS afloat and those who have kept the country smiling by spreading kindness. The list includesmedical experts as well as volunteers working with

Last year brought to the fore a new breed of community champions... including those working in the NHS to treat coronavirus patients, scientists developing effective vaccines and key workers keeping essential services operating. These “ordinary people” who continue to go above and beyond have been recognised for sterling work delivered in extraordinary circumstances. The 2021 NewYears Honours has

After the veryworst of years, the very best amongus – fromfrontlinehealth stafftokey community volunteers and charityworkers –havebeenrecognised inTheQueen’s 2021NewYearHonours. Herewe spotlight some of thedeserving stars that PrimeMinisterBoris Johnson applauds as “an inspiration tous all”.

TAMAS SZAKMANY

MICHAELBRIGGS

are thinking about us.” Thinking the honour emailwas promotional,Michael

ABelfast community worker is celebrating “the surprise of his life” afterbeing honoured. Michael Briggs’ MBEwas rewarded for services beyond the call of duty in the voluntary sector and community. “Even thoughwe’ve hardlymovedout of the office, it’s all beenprettybusy,” explained theEast Belfast Community DevelopmentAgency ExecutiveDirector. “We’vebeen managing ourCOVID programme, buying bulk food to get out to groups we support. Wedeveloped

WelshCritical Care Networkresponse during thepandemic, rapidlydisseminating informationon lessons learnt via traditional and social mediaplatforms. Filminghispersonal andprofessional life, hehelpedproduce anemotional deeply personaldocumentary “Critical: Inside IntensiveCare Coronavirus” episode, broadcastedbyBBC Wales and included amongAmerican Society of Chest Physicians andSociety of Critical Care Medicine teaching materials.

CabinetOffice confirmationofDr Tamas Szakmany’s awardmadehim “astonished, touched andhumbled”. The44year- old fromNewport explained: “I thought I was doingmy job like everybody else. I didn’t think for one minute itwouldresult in this. I’mreally surprised. Once Iwas allowed to talkabout it, the first thing I saidwas howfortunate Iwas to workwith this team. “2020was difficult professionally. Personally, I hadmany successes. Itwas a double-edged sword. TheMBE is recognition for the enormous

initially “didn’t actually take it seriously”.

JACQUIEWINNING

GOLAMCHOWDHURY

He revealed: “I nearlydidn’t open it. Then I sawitwas from theCabinetOffice. “Forme, it’s about the efforts of otherpeople aswell. “Somanypeople havebeenvery supportive over the years. I’mthe one who ends upgetting the award, but other peoplehavebeen involved in the success ofmywork.”

distancingwhile undertaking essential trips out,” explained theMBErecipient. Jacquie’s support includedproviding Braille copies of virus information, establishing telephone, text and email befriending lifelines to address isolationand producingpodcasts providing vital updates. “The impact is that some of themost vulnerablepeople in societyhavebeen incrediblywell supportedduring themost challenging of times. Thanks go to thededication, enthusiasmand willingness toadapt by our team, volunteers andpartners, and tremendous support of ourboardof directors.”

JacquieWinning’s award “recognises the achievements of everyone” at Forth ValleySensory Centre following “anexceptionally challenging year”. The 55 year-old fromFalkirkwas recognised for going the extramile tomanage “wrap- around” services to peoplewith sensory loss during the pandemic. “COVID-19has beenchallenging for everyone, butmore so forpeoplewith sensory loss. Those withhearing loss face challenges due to facemasks and social distancing interfering with their ability to lip read. “Thosewith sight loss face significant challengesmanaging tomaintainphysical

Hampshire as a Refugee Support staffmember, Crisis Response SouthEast tactical cellweekend coordinator and local Emergency Response, City of Sanctuary andCycling UKvolunteer, Golam receivedhis accolade for outstanding achievements in healthcareduring the virus pandemic. “I don’t domy job – ormy volunteering – forpraise,” said the father-of-two. “I do it because, if the tables were turnedand Iwas the one that needed help, then Iwould hope that therewas someone out there to supportme. “I’d like todedicate my award to everyone inall communities who arehelping others.”

ABritishRedCross refugee support staffemergency responder initially thought his honour announcement email was spam! GolamChowdhury was then “humbled” whenhis British EmpireMedalwas confirmed. “I hadno idea I hadevenbeen nominated,” said the 51-year-old from Portsmouth. “It’s been challenging, both personally and professionally, but I amalways amazedby humanresilience and community spirit. Watchinghowpeople come together to support each otherhas been incredible.” Involved inactive front-line response toCOVID-19 in

anetwork of groups delivering small packages to peoplewho are vulnerable, shielding or in financial need.” The 57 year- oldcontinued: “There are so many stories fromolder peoplewho say ‘it’s just good toknowpeople

effort everyone hasmade to get us through the firstwave. I hope wehave similar success again.” TheRoyal Gwent Hospital critical care consultant, recognised for exceptional service to theNHS, spearheaded