Congratulations to our Chairman Judy Hutton who has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Ilkley.
For the last 15 years Judy has made a significant contribution to alleviating loneliness in the Ilkley and Wharfedale district by volunteering with the charity Ilkley and District Good Neighbours (IDGN). The community has a higher than average proportion of people over 65, and loneliness and isolation are growing problems. Ilkley and District Good Neighbours benefit 300 clients a year and holds a Duke of York Community Initiative award.
Judy was instrumental in establishing the ShopAssist scheme, enabling elderly, frail and disabled people to do their own shopping with the support and friendship of a volunteer. As part of her volunteering with IDGN Judy has taken on roles such as trustee, secretary and for the last five years she has been the chairman, overseeing an extension of its services, client and volunteer numbers and funds to support activities.
Judy has pushed boundaries, recruiting trustees and encouraging each of them to adopt an active role. Trustees have been trained to understand their remit and now a professional culture prevails. She has actively sought funding to facilitate both the expansion of existing schemes and the setting up of new schemes within the charity.
Additionally, Judy has enhanced local relationships with the Parish Council and Rotary Clubs as well as local businesses who give time and resources to the charity.
Judy said: “I am thrilled and honoured to receive the British Empire Medal.
“It has been my privilege for the last five years to lead a team of dedicated and committed Trustees at Ilkley and District Good Neighbours who, together with our employees and volunteers, have delivered our services to older and isolated people living in the Ilkley district.
“It is a cliché, but it is entirely true to say that the charity simply would not exist without our volunteers and I thank every one of them.”
Judy will retire as Chairman of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours at the AGM in July.
