Isabel Hospice has celebrated picking up two gongs at the Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2023.

The charity’s people and projects were shortlisted in a total of seven categories honouring the county’s unsung heroes.

Isabel’s first win was for its Tonnes of Care campaign, which won the Green Initiative Award.

Launched on Earth Day 2022, Tonnes of Care turns people’s unused and unwanted clothing, homeware, electricals and more into nursing care by encouraging the public to donate good quality items to their shops.

Head of retail Charlotte Greenwood said: “We are incredibly proud to win this award and be recognised for our efforts to promote the circular economy.

 

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“Our Tonnes of Care campaign really highlights the importance of sustainable shopping and since last April we have saved 1,946,940 items from needlessly going into landfill.

“These goods are then used to stock our 15 shops across eastern Hertfordshire, as well as our online shop on eBay, and has helped to fund 72,286 nursing hours to provide vital palliative care for local communities.

“We are extremely grateful to all our Tonnes of Care partners for supporting our pledge to save 25,000 tonnes from landfill by 2027, by hosting donation days at their venues and displaying our collection boxes.

“With their help, we continue to promote slow fashion and homeware by turning unwanted items into Tonnes of Care for our patients.”

 

                                                                                                                                

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The second award was presented to Isabel’s Compassionate Communities team in the Carer Award category.

The Compassionate Communities team support and encourage people to live well before they die, and support those left behind following the death of a loved one through the creation and facilitation of numerous community outreach programmes.

A key approach is to help build confidence and competency to have conversations about end-of-life issues, making a difficult time that little bit easier.

Isabel’s Compassionate Communities lead Christine Novelli said: “We were thrilled to receive this award, but a huge thank you needs to go to our trained Compassionate Neighbours who offer their time and friendship to those who are lonely and at risk of isolation in our communities. We cannot do what we do without them.

“We know that end-of-life issues are really hard, but it makes such a difference knowing you are not on your own. Sadly, there are many people who could do with increased social interaction and we are always in need of new Compassionate Neighbours."

All the nominees were invited to a glittering awards ceremony at Sopwell House in St Albans on January 27, where all the winners were announced.