Mayday Trust clients awarded for their personal effort

Ian Pollock and Ron Lenton were among seven vulnerable clients to be recognised in the Mayday Trust’s Michael Varah and Jim Higgins Award scheme.

Mr Pollock was only 19 when he arrived at Mayday Trust’s Leamington and Warwick Scheme.

He had left home due to a family breakdown without any experience of living independently.

Despite the pressures and upheaval Mr Pollock has persevered with college and has demonstrated a commitment to his BTEC business and IT studies course.

Senior project worker Helen Maule said: “Ian has worked extremely hard since being with us.

“He has engaged weekly and reached all his set targets.

“Ian has a real desire to go on to university and knows he needs to get his NVQ level 3 in order to do so.”

Mr Lenton spent more than 15 years sleeping rough and several months living with Coventry charity Open House before moving to the Mayday Trust’s Leamington and Warwick scheme.

During his time with Mayday, staff have seen his self esteem and confidence grow.

Mr Lenton, who has also worked hard to control his alcohol problems, is currently preparing to move into sheltered accommodation.

Scheme manager Anne Forde said: “Ron has come to rely on Mayday to support him not only in daily living skills but also for social inclusion.

“Recently he has been involved in a joint project with the Community Arts Workshop.

“We are delighted Ron has built a relationship with Fran Godwin and others from the art group, which he has attended without prompting from staff.” www.maydaytrust.org.uk