A North Somerset volunteer has won a national award and we found out why
Addaction North Somerset volunteer Dave Lee has won a national volunteer of the year award.
Dave’s impressive work at the drug and alcohol charity, based in the Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, has saved countless lives and helped shape the course of health services across the South West.
Dave, 46, received the Marsh Christian Volunteer Award at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Steadman Scott.
A former service user, Dave has used his experiences to take on many roles within the charity, but in particular educates people about the life-threatening blood-borne virus hepatitis C.
Dave, from Long Ashton, says: “Hep C is a bully and I was brought up to stand up against bullies. Nobody asks for it and to see one person completing treatment gives me more joy than stumbling upon a giant diamond.”
He delivers regular talks to clients and staff about hepatitis C, the importance of testing and how to receive treatment and then offers additional information and support wherever he can.
Dave also gives presentations every six to eight weeks at most of the rehabilitation centres in North Somerset to staff and clients, and at the homeless shelter in Weston.
In addition, he works on a joint project with Addaction and the Hepatitis C Trust, giving presentations to key decision-makers across the South West to help shape the way the region’s health services tackle and eliminate hepatitis C.
Addaction manager Gill Flanagan says: “David shows such great commitment, passion and drive to share his experiences and knowledge to inspire and educate others. He really does make a difference to so many people he comes into contact with. This award is truly deserved.”
