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Youth Services staff honoured by High Sheriff
The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire has presented a community award to a Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) staff member for her exceptional work in youth services.
Donna Hilton, Youth Service Manager, was presented with a Community Recognition Award for services to the community by the High Sheriff, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS DL, for her 25 years of work.
When presenting the award, the High Sheriff said: “I heard only recently about the work being done. I was amazed at how long it’s been running and wasn’t more widely known. I wanted to give the Youth Service some recognition for the fantastic work with vulnerable people which gives them somewhere to go which exclusively focuses on their needs – both their physical and mental health. It is so special, and so unique and it should be supported”
Donna set up NUH Youth Service at Queens Medical Centre in 1998, making it the first and the longest running hospital-based youth service in the country.
Donna said: “It is a big surprise. I wasn’t expecting that. I feel completely honoured. It’s recognition for all the hard work for the last 25 years and I’m really proud of the team and the services and how far we’ve come along. The young people we work with are inspirational and it’s a testament to them.”
The Youth Service supports young people between the ages of 11–21, living with a wide range of long-term health conditions. The sessions run every Wednesday between 6pm – 8pm.
Maia, 15, has transverse myelitis which is inflammation of the spinal cord. She said: “I really enjoy coming here every week and hanging out with friends. The Youth Service has helped me to build confidence and it’s always a place I can go for advice.”
Dennis is 16 years old and has Crohn's disease. He said: “It’s the people that make it. Having this supportive community allows me to get a lot out of life that I wouldn’t have done before. It’s given me confidence to do stuff I never would have thought I could do.”