Sam Paddock, a Chester Aid to the Homeless volunteer, has been awarded the CVA Inspiration Award by the Volunteer Awards 2017 and we couldn’t be prouder of her.

Volunteering was a new start for Sam as her life before was one of dysfunction, addiction and homelessness. Some people find integrating back into society difficult, falling back into old habits but Sam has moved forward and never looked back. She has developed a rapport with some of the most vulnerable people in society. She is unflinching in her care and practical support of them, often working beyond her allocated hours.

The awards, conceived by Chester Voluntary Action, are a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate the immense contribution that volunteers make to society.
Sam was nominated by John Buchanan who said “Sam now is light years away from ‘old Sam’. She embodies the life changing journey when you start volunteering. She continues to develop in both confidence and professional experience.”

The panel of judges said “There is nothing more inspirational than a person who has been there and has had the determination to turn themselves around, facing and overcoming all the difficulties and problems in a situation where most people would have written them off. Not only has she done that, she is now helping others to do the same.”
Sam has won a prize package including vouchers for The Coach House, Gladstone Library and tickets for the Chester Races. She also won an Elemis beauty set donated by The Grosvenor Hotel as well as personalised artwork from local artist Graffiti Dave.