Surrey Choices Growth Team Triumphs at Crest Business Awards 2023, Receiving the Community Impact Award

Surrey Choices Growth Team Triumphs at Crest Business Awards 2023, Receiving the Community Impact Award 

Surrey Choices is proud to announce that its Growth Team of supported volunteers has been presented with the prestigious Community Impact Award at the Crest Business Awards 2023. This esteemed recognition showcases the commitment and innovation demonstrated by Surrey Choices in creating a positive and lasting impact on local communities and the environment. 

The Crest Business Awards is aimed at recognising and celebrating sustainability by organisations operating in Surrey. The Community Impact Award was presented to Surrey Choices’ Growth Team, reflecting their dedication to improving the environment and fruitful collaborations that enhance the well-being of the communities they serve. 

Surrey Choices Growth Team are a team of disabled and autistic people who are supported to contribute their skills and talents with the aim of making the Surrey countryside a better place to be enjoyed by everyone. They have minibuses, trailers, strimmer’s, gardening equipment and a fantastic “can do” attitude!  They often work in partnership with organisations such as the Surrey Hills Society and Tice’s Meadow. Activities have included constructing a boardwalk to protect ancient yew trees, creating dead hedging, restoration of chalklands and a huge array of conservation works for endangered plants and animals. They are also working in community gardens and schools to share their knowledge and skills. 

“I like it when members of the public stop to ask us what we are doing, it makes me proud to tell them the difference we make” Growth team volunteer. 

Surrey Choices provides a range of different person-centred support to disabled and autistic people to enable them to live active lives in their local communities. For those volunteering in the Growth team this may include learning skills to move into employment or just supporting their health and wellbeing by working outside in the beautiful Surrey Countryside.  

The Community Impact Award is a testament to the Growth Team’s relentless pursuit of enhancing the lives of the individuals they support, as well as their dedication to fostering a stronger sense of community engagement. Their innovative practices and collaborative efforts have empowered countless individuals to lead more fulfilling lives, promoting inclusivity and social integration. 

Commenting on the award, Christina Earl, Head of Innovation at Surrey Choices, expressed their elation at the recognition: “ We are so proud to see the work of the Growth Team Volunteers recognised at such a prestigious event. It was inspiring to be part of the wide diversity of sustainability initiatives across Surrey” 

Terry Tidbury, Co-Director CREST Business Awards, added: “Community Impact was a new category for 2023 and we received an enthusiastic response from entrants. It was a difficult task for our prestigious judging panel to choose a winner but the work by Surrey Choices stood out and so their award success was well deserved.” 

This recognition is not only a testament to Surrey Choices’ dedication but also an inspiration to continue their journey toward a more inclusive and sustainable society. The Community Impact Award is a reminder that Surrey Choices’ efforts are making a significant difference, and they are determined to expand their impact in the coming years. 

Surrey Choices extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Crest Business Awards for this remarkable honour and to all the employees, partners, and individuals who have played a vital role in realizing their vision of a more inclusive and empowered community. 

 

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