Aspire Supporting Sister Wins Award for Unsung (s)Hero
We recently interviewed long-standing Aspire volunteer Larissa, who has overcome personal challenges to achieve an Unsung Hero award at the 2021 County Durham Festival of Learning.
In her typically modest and dedicated way, Larissa seems genuinely shocked to have received this recognition.
Looking at her story it is easy to see why Larissa’s nomination was successful. Having been part of Aspire since the project began in 2012, she is a respected and highly skilled volunteer, full of empathy and enthusiasm, always ready to help the women using Aspire’s services and her fellow volunteers.
“Winning this award means a lot to me. I recently told (Aspire co-directors) Janice and Jan that throughout lockdown, helping people had been the thing that had got me through it all. Being told I’d won this award was amazing, not that I needed recognition. What keeps me going is helping others, I’ve been in a bad place myself in the past. Supporting others can change their day or even change a whole life. It’s not just the big things, it’s about being there for people.”
Image above: Aspire women (right to left) Kay, Lorraine, Larissa and Johana chatting during a Welcome Wednesday group. Each of them have been award winners or nominees for their dedicated work with Aspire
Larissa has been involved in a wide range of Aspire activities, from helping develop and run the Domestic Violence and Support programme, to distributing essential household and hygiene items to women via support packs. She has facilitated support groups and mentored new volunteer recruits, while somehow also finding the time to sign up for Aspire courses, including mindfulness, meditation and healthy cooking. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Larissa is a mental health survivor and during the last year she faced several personal challenges, including bereavement and ill health. When asked if she ever found it difficult or triggering to support others, especially if the issues were close to her personal experiences:
“Aspire really appreciate their volunteers and I get so much out of being there. When I struggle with my mental health, I help others and I am appreciated, that keeps me well and helps my self-esteem. The volunteers make a great team, we are always there for each other, and it never feels like work.”
Larissa went on to explain that it is so important to talk to someone if you are struggling, even though that can often be the most difficult time to reach out. This is something that was recently highlighted on World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), and again on World Mental Health Day (10th October). Larissa lives this advice 365 days a year – one of many reasons she is an award-winning volunteer.
Along with regular online and in-centre social and support groups for women, specialist Aspire services are continuing with Domestic Violence & Abuse drop-ins and domestic essentials support packs continuing. Aspire are also offering a rolling Stay Safe, Feel Well programme and monthly drop-ins for women who have been affected by suicide and self-harm. The autumn will see the return of Aspire’s courses, including drumming, cooking, massage and crafts, which encourage self-expression, build confidence and holistically support positive mental health, self-care and wellbeing.
The Aspire team extend our warmest congratulations to Larissa on her win in 2021’s County Durham Festival of Learning Awards, with her incredible dedication to women in need, it couldn’t be more well-deserved, and it is worth noting several other Aspire women also received nominations.
Unsung (s)heros fill the rooms and online chat groups that make up Aspire, supporting and caring for each other, while finding a way to have a good laugh in even the most difficult circumstances.