Bernard Aarons is our ‘Local Hero’

Bernard Aarons joined Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard at the ‘Local Hero’ tea party at the House of Commons last week. Over 50 MPs and their local heroes selected from their constituencies for services to their communities through volunteering were invited to the event. The party was hosted by Tom Levitt MP, Chair of the All Party Group on Charities and the Voluntary Sector.

Bernard was presented with a recognition certificate from the Experience Corps, an independent not for profit company which encourages people aged 50 and over to offer their skills and experience to benefit others in local communities through volunteering.

Mr Gerrard said “I was delighted when Age Concern nominated Bernard to receive this recognition. He is a longstanding volunteer with Age Concern, currently with their Link Up befriending service. He is also involved with the Good Life Club, Concern for the Elderly, Waltham Forest Churches, and Shopmobility. He is an outstanding example of the way in which so many people devote many hours to helping others.

Without volunteers like him many organisations would not be able to function, and the impact on the lives of those they help would be devastating.”

Malcolm Wicks, the Minister of State for Pensions spoke at the House of Commons event, and noted that it was taking place during Age Positive Week. He pointed out the challenges in an ageing society of combating prejudice about age. “People associate ageing with disability and dependency” he said, “but we should talk about how senior citizens are depended upon and are dependable. Volunteers often work inconspicuously, and don’t talk about just what they do, but it right to champion them at an event like this”.

June 2004

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