HomeAid Manager receives MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

HomeAid Manager receives MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

CRNS

201.06.07

HomeAid Manager receives MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Jackie Agnew, the manager of HomeAid West Lothian, one of Scotland‘s most successful community reuse organisations, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to recycling in Scotland.

Jackie is a Trustee of the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS) and has been manager of HomeAid West Lothian since 1996. Previously she was a volunteer for eleven years for a charity shop under Social Services furniture project.

On receiving the award Jackie said: “It’s a great honour to get this and to be recognised, and proves the sector gets recognised for what we do. Hopefully it will make an impact on the local council as well, and get them to recognise our environmental side as well as our social purpose.”

Speaking about the award the CRNS Chairperson, Matt Lewis, said: “This is a great honour for Jackie. One which she certainly deserves. She has transformed HomeAid West Lothian into one of Scotland‘s best community-based recycling projects and in doing so has inspired others. She has also ensured that her project has remained firmly part of the community, employing local people, offering volunteering opportunities and training.”

HomeAid is based in Bathgate and provides reused furniture to disadvantaged people throughout the West Lothian area through a partnership with West Lothian Council. The main focus of the group’s activities is a shop in Bathgate town centre that offers choice and accessibility for people in a pleasant and friendly environment.

As well as making a real difference to the lives of local people the project also diverts over 400 tonnes of furniture from landfill per annum.

For more information on community recycling in Scotland visit www.crns.org.uk