On 11 November, DHI hosted our Annual Client Achievement Awards, recognising people who have transformed their lives with the charity’s help.
Rosie Phillips, founder and Chief Executive of DHI, said: “We support people who are often unheard, marginalised or considered ‘undeserving’ by society – despite lives shaped by poverty, adversity or trauma. Our clients can face stigma, but these awards show that, with the right help in place, change is possible.”
The awards, held at the British Royal Literary and Scientific Institution in Bath, brought together clients, colleagues, commissioners, trustees, volunteers and partners in a celebration of DHI's life-changing support.
Ken Nicholas (pictured below, left, with Martin Buckland) received the David Miell Award for Personal Achievement after receiving mental health treatment through DHI’s Criminal Justice Team. “I've come from a place of doom and gloom to a place of wonderfulness,” said Ken. “I'm very grateful to the DHI team who’ve supported me and opened my mind to thinking more positively.”
The Contribution to the Community Award went to the Peer Mentoring Team (pictured below) at DHI’s South Gloucestershire Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service for their outstanding work supporting others in recovery.
Lee Combes, one of the peers who accepted the award, said: “It’s amazing for every peer who volunteers in South Gloucestershire to have all their hard work, time and effort recognised like this. Peers make such a difference. They are so valued by people who walk through the door not believing they’ll ever achieve recovery, just scared to even step foot in a room.”
Frazer Simmons (pictured, below, left) received the Cookie McBride Award for Optimism and Resilience, recognising his journey from substance misuse to devoted family man who supports his community, including elderly neighbours. Frazer attended with his family – his daughter, mum, nan and partner – who wiped away tears as he accepted his award.
The awards were presented by Martin Buckland, Chief Executive of Marlin Communications, which supported the event. “Today's event has been absolutely humbling for me,” said Martin. “It’s such an honour to be here today with DHI’s support workers and clients. DHI helps people do incredible things to give back to the community and use their own experiences to help others going through the same challenges.”
Guests also enjoyed a celebration cake, brownies, cupcakes and flapjacks made by local cake-maker Jenni, a former DHI service user who has launched her own bakery business.
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