Hurrah! Acts Trust are thrilled to Win the Lincoln Civic Award

Good samaritans, who are making a real difference to people in need, have been presented with the city’s top honour – the Lincoln Civic Award.
Acts Trust CEO Simon Hawking received the striking silver award on behalf of the not-for-profit organisation and its 250 volunteers, from Lincoln Mayor Councillor Biff Bean at a special ceremony in the city’s historic Guildhall.

Lincoln Civic Award Trustees chose Acts Trust as the latest winners of this prestigious accolade after much deliberation. This year they found themselves spending more time than ever coming to a decision, after receiving a bumper crop of nominations.

Members of Lincoln’s mayoral party and Trustees’ Chair Henry Ruddock welcomed Acts Trust volunteers and a representative of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue (who handed back the striking silver Civic Award the organisation won last year) to the ceremony.

Mr Ruddock shared the history of the Award – first instigated by the late Frank Eccleshare in 1966. The former mayor wanted a trophy to be awarded annually to an outstanding individual, organisation or company which had brought credit to Lincoln.

Acts Trust joins an impressive roll of honour, which features world-famous Lincoln companies, hardworking charities, leading university professionals, athletes and media personalities.

“The main focus of Acts is the alleviation of poverty, but that doesn’t just mean financial poverty. It can mean much more, including social, self-worth, spiritual and other issues,” said Mr Ruddock.

Acts is known for running Lincoln Foodbank, Night Light Cafes, Energize, Restore and more recently the Community Grocery at Beaumont Manor on Beaumont Fee in partnership with The Message Trust, which was started following a start-up at Central Methodist Church and moved when Acts acquired Beamont Manor and rebranded it.

Acts now also oversees about 24 Night Light cafes. These provide a safe space, where people in need can get friendly face-to-face support and be listened to, although they do not provide clinical support.

“However, the organisation does so much more, by working to empower people with skills and experience to improve their lives. It also has a programme known as

“Energize” which works with schools and young people to help them with self-esteem, life choices and social integration”, said Mr Ruddock.

“Restore is yet another programme, which is intended for adults. Its various elements include help with handling finances (Money Course), offering support and skills for finding a job (Jobs Club), and Life Skills, including English for speakers of other languages.”

Lincoln Foodbank has been supporting people to avoid food poverty for 16 years and has been working tirelessly to ensure there is enough food for everyone who is struggling. This has particuarly been tough as referrals have risen in recent years due to the pandemic and cost of living crises.

Acts Trust CEO Simon Hawking accepted the Lincoln Civic Award to rousing applause from his fellow guests, the Civic Party and Award Trustees and said Acts was delighted to receive the accolade.

“Thank you. It is a great honour to receive this and I feel humbled to accept the Civic Award on behalf of our 250 volunteers,” said Mr Hawking.

“Everyone gives generously of their time and we are all passionate about our mission.”

After the formalities, the mayoral party and guests chatted more about the ongoing and diverse work of Acts Trust over a celebration buffet.

In addition to announcing the winner of the Civic Award, it has been decided to present a Highly Commended certificate this year, to the outstanding local athlete Abbie Donnelly.

Abbie (a five-times winner of the Lincoln 10K), has celebrated numerous successes. Last year she represented Great Britain in Australia at the World Cross Country Championships, where she was the first European finisher. Abbie also raced in the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels where she won an individual bronze medal and also contributed to her team getting gold.

Abbie, who wasn’t able to be at the Civic Award ceremony, will be presented at a second ceremony in a few days’ time.

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