FOUR Coventrians have been named Coronation Community Champions in recognition of their volunteering work in their communities.
The accolades, which celebrate extraordinary efforts, were launched by Queen Camilla and the Royal Voluntary Service as part of the official coronation project.
Dr Nor Aziz was recognised for commitment to sports, culture and heritage, Melanie Griffin and Godfrey Mubiru were commended for their crisis and welfare support and Rebecca O’Sullivan praised for work in supporting young people and children.
Dr Nor founded the Canley Pop Up Cafe and Canley Big Lunch and is steering member of the community project ‘Playing Out in Hanley’. She is also a patron of the Malaysian Coventry Society, a trustee of both the Coventry Culture Trust and the Koco Community Centre and a regional fellow of the Warwick Institute of Engagement.
Melanie, in a voluntary role, runs the Violet Project – a suicide prevention charity and has also run a suicide bereavement support group in Coventry, volunteered in another in Sandwell and offered her support at a ‘talk to us’ mental health group in Coventry.
Anyone wanting to find out more about The Violet Project can visit violetproject.co.uk or check it out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Godfrey, an asylum seeker for 20 years, has long been a member of Carriers of Hope Coventry, supporting others in his situation by serving as a trustee and a client representative at the charity and volunteering on the Baby Project and Furniture Project.
Rebecca, a St John Ambulance unit manager, oversees the adult and cadet units, enabling young people to start their St John Ambulance journey.
Overall, 20 volunteers across the West Midlands have been recognised for their volunteering.
The champions have been invited to an official celebration on the coronation weekend and have been given the chance to attend the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert and Coronation Garden Party.
Those recognised will also receive a specially designed official pin and a signed certificate from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
A panel of judges presided over by the Queen Camilla crowned 500 Community Champions across the country, chosen from thousands of people aged between 14 and 103 who support a range of causes through volunteering.
Sir John Crabtree OBE, Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands said; “We are delighted that so many people across our region have been recognised for the great things they do.
“They highlight the amazing work that is being done every day here in the West Midlands by volunteers who make a difference in their local communities.
“This weekend provides a great opportunity for communities to come together and create lasting memories and we’re pleased that so many people are getting involved with street parties, meals and local celebrations to make the Coronation such a ‘memorable weekend.”
