A dedicated Golborne volunteer has been recognised for her unwavering contribution to the mental health service where she was once a patient.
Julie Lomax Newton, 60, was an inpatient at Ashwood Court Independent Hospital in Lowton when she started volunteering at the residential home of the same name next door.
On her discharge in August 2020, Julie committed to return to Ashwood Court, which is operated by the adult health and social care charity Making Space, to continue her volunteering five days a week.
For the last 13 months, Julie has helped out Monday to Friday and also runs social evenings every Saturday.
Julie, who spent a year living as an inpatient at the hospital, is now one of just 50 people from all over the UK who have made this year’s Happy List.
The annual Happy List was first published by the Independent in 2008, as an antidote to the Sunday Times Rich List. It celebrates people for their contribution to society rather than their material wealth.
According to registered manager Judith Oakes, Julie is the best volunteer the health and social care service has ever had.
Judith said: “Julie has taken on responsibility for running activities for people at Ashwood Court residential home, which is next door to the hospital and provides residential care for people living with less serious mental health conditions.
“She is wonderful, inventive, just marvellous. I don’t know what we would do without her. She absolutely deserves this recognition.”
Julie said: “Volunteering at Ashwood Court is an inspiration to me and I wish I had discovered working with people with mental health issues when I left school.”
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