Hailsham volunteer honoured for 35 years of service

Since 1978, Brian Watts has helped more than 2,000 young people to build the confidence and skills they need to move into employment, education, training and volunteering.

He has also played an integral role in delivering The Trust’s Development Awards programme all across Sussex, helping to remove the financial barriers that can sometimes prevent young people from moving forward with their lives.

As a volunteer co-ordinator and applications secretary, Brian shares his knowledge and experience with other volunteers, enabling them to deliver exceptional support to all the young people with whom they work.

Brian also works closely with staff members to assist them in their roles and uses his experience to guide the newest members of the team. He is extremely grateful for all the help and support given by Trust area staff.

Outside The Trust, Brian is also a long standing volunteer for St John’s Ambulance and was awarded with the Serving Brother medal in 2011. He has also run many first aid sessions for young people on The Prince’s Trust Team programmes.

Brian said: “I’m so delighted and proud of this award, and particularly in the year of the 40th anniversary of The Trust. For me, it is a recognition of all the enthusiasm, endeavour and motivation shown by all the assessors with whom I have worked and served.”

A spokesperson for The Trust said: “Brian has been a true asset to The Trust, and his dedication is admirable. For the last 35 years, Brian, without fail, always goes above and beyond what is asked of him, to support the young people at The Prince’s Trust.”

Brian added: “I would also like to dedicate this award to my wife, Sue, who gave up her fight against cancer at the end of 2014. Her support and enthusiasm was truly valued over the 35 years supporting me in my work with The Trust.”

Find out more about volunteering for The Prince’s Trust: www.princes-trust.org.uk/volunteer.

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