‘Outstanding’ Adam honoured by Gloucester FM

St Oswald’s Retirement Village volunteer and Gloucester resident Adam Stevens, 34, has received a Gloucester FM award for his outstanding contribution in supporting the radio station.

Adam was nominated by Carol Francis, from local community radio Gloucester FM. The award was for sharing traffic information with the radio station within the past year and coincided with GFM Gloucester FM celebrating 22 years of being on air.

Adam was thrilled to receive the accolade: “It made me feel very happy and very proud of myself to receive the award.”

GFM community radio held their annual Awards & Fundraising Dinner & Dance, Saturday 8th October, with special guest King of Ghana West Africa, HRH Okogyeman Obreemponnsu Kobina Amissah I.

Adam who has mild learning difficulties began working at ExtraCare’s St Oswald’s Village in May 2022, assisting with litter picking. ExtraCare Volunteer Organiser Ian Ellis had worked with Adam on a previous project and invited him to volunteer at the village. The Gloucester native has an extensive history in volunteering.

Adam offers: “I have previously volunteered at several places including The Milestone School with the caretakers from 2007 to 2014 and a furniture recycling project in 2014 as a volunteer driver’s mate where I did some woodworking there as well. I left the project back in 2018.”

In 2019 Adam volunteered at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and helped with building fences in the summer. In the autumn and winter, he assisted with cutting back hedges and trees, and with the regular local bonfire. He also helped with building rain gardens at Kingsholm Rugby Stadium with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust where he continues to volunteer.

Adam adds: “Volunteering is important, it keeps me busy and active and I get to meet with new people and have a good time.

Adam is in good company with his award, St Oswald’s Village received one of its own the same week taking home a ‘Gloucestershire Inclusive Employer Award’ for embracing and creating a culture where diverse groups of people feel valued, confident, and able to be themselves

Village Manager at St Oswald’s, Juliana Rossi added: “We continue to unlock potential amongst volunteers and employees. We remain committed to promoting inclusivity within our village and within our charity.”