Trust Wins Top Honour

Good samaritans, who are making a real difference to people in need, have been presented with the city’s top honour – the Lincoln Civic Award.

ACTS Trust CEO Simon Hawking received the striking silver award on behalf of the not-for-profit organisation and its 250 volunteers,  from Lincoln Mayor Councillor Biff Bean at a special ceremony in the city’s historic Guildhall.

Lincoln Civic Award Trustees chose ACTS Trust as the latest winners of this prestigious accolade after much deliberation. This year they found themselves spending more time than ever coming to a decision, after receiving a bumper crop of nominations.

Members of Lincoln’s mayoral party and Trustees’ Chair Henry Ruddock welcomed ACTS Trust volunteers and a representative of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue (who handed back the striking silver Civic Award the organisation won last year).

Mr Ruddock shared the history of the Award – first instigated by the late Frank Eccleshare in 1966. The former mayor wanted a trophy to be awarded annually to an outstanding individual, organisation or company which had brought credit to Lincoln.

ACTS Trust joins an impressive roll of honour, which features world-famous Lincoln companies, hardworking charities, leading university professionals, athletes and media personalities.

“The main focus of ACTS is the alleviation of poverty, but that doesn’t just mean financial poverty. It can mean much more, including social, self-worth, spiritual and other issues,” said Mr Ruddock.

ACTS is probably best known for running the Community Grocery at Beaumont Manor on Beaumont Fee, which was started following a start-up food bank at Central Methodist Church and moved when ACTS acquired Beaumont Manor and rebranded it.

ACTS also oversees about 24 Night Light cafes. These provide a safe space, where people in need can get friendly face-to-face support and be listened to, although they do not provide clinical support.  

“However, the organisation does so much more, by working to empower people with skills and experience to improve their lives. It also has a programme known as “Energize” which works with schools and young people to help them with self-esteem, life choices and social integration”, said Mr Ruddock.

“Restore is yet another programme, which is intended for adults. Its various elements include help with handling finances (Money Course), offering support and skills for finding a job (Jobs Club), and Life Skills, including English for speakers of other languages.”

ACTS Trust CEO Simon Hawking accepted the Lincoln Civic Award to rousing applause. 

“Thank you. It is a great honour and I feel humbled to accept the Civic Award on behalf of our 250 volunteers,”  he said.

“Everyone gives generously of their time and we are all passionate about our mission.”

In addition to announcing the winner of the Award, it has been decided to present a Highly Commended certificate to the outstanding local athlete Abbie Donnelly.

Abbie (a five-times winner of the Lincoln 10K), has celebrated numerous successes, including those on the wider World stage.  She was unable to be at the Civic Award ceremony, but will be presented with her certificate in a few days’ time.