Several people and organisations from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire were recently recognised for their work in combatting loneliness and isolation across our town, in a glamourous ceremony at Casa Hotel.
The BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness Awards 2023, held on Friday February 17th, was a huge success as over 130 guests from the local business and charity communities came together to recognise and celebrate seven BrightLife Champions Against Loneliness.
BrightLife is a local charity dedicated to preventing loneliness and isolation occurring amongst older people living in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.
Hosted by Phil Tooley, commentator on Chesterfield FC’s 1866 Sport radio station, the awards ceremony opened with the BrightLife Champion Young Person – an award won by Luke Briddon for his work with the Senior Spireites at the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.
Luke’s nominator for the award, Oliver Barnes, a Wellbeing Officer at Chesterfield FC Community Trust, commented: “People might be isolated, lonely, they might have lost a significant other, but Luke’s always there to put a smile on their face. I don’t think he realises how much impact he has on their lives, and that’s why we’ve nominated him for this award”.
The final award to be presented on the evening was that of the BrightLife Champion Award, as sponsored by Hammond & Co. This award was presented to Farida McGann, who was nominated by Mel Dorna, a health and wellbeing coach for Derbyshire County Council.
Farida’s work to prevent loneliness and isolation began during Lockdown when Farida felt compelled to want to support a neighbour. Following her experience of offering companionship and support to her neighbour Mrs McGann was inspired to start a community group.
The one community group then grew into two and Mrs McGann now runs a number of community groups on a weekly basis.
Mel Dorna, who nominated Mrs McGann for the award commented: “Over the last year Farida has developed groups and now runs a weekly mental health support group, a health and well-being group, a group exclusively to support men….she welcomes everybody through the door.”
The seven category award winners were:
- Champion Young Person (Sponsored by 1866 Sport) – Luke Briddon
- Champion Charity (Sponsored by Aztec Oils Ltd) – Chesterfield FC Community Trust
- Champion Business (Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors) – Magnavale Ltd
- Champion Neighbour (Sponsored by Heron Publications Ltd) – Rachael Mullen
- Champion Carer (Sponsored by Age Care Bathrooms) – Sandra Bower
- Champion Volunteer (Sponsored by Hastings Freight Ltd) – Lynda Lewis
- Champion – (Sponsored by Hammond & Co) – Farida McGann
Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust, Casa Hotel, Banner Jones Solicitors and Heron Publications support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
