Helping People Change Their Lives Brings Royal Recognition For Catalyst

Published on: 10 Jun, 2015
Updated on: 10 Jun, 2015

When Southern Addictions Advisory Service (SAdAS) decided to launch its new name, Catalyst, to reflect its work with people around drugs, alcohol and mental health during national 2015 Volunteers’ week, they didn’t expect to be receiving a royal honour at the same time.

The launch event at G Live on Wednesday last week saw more than 100 clients, staff, partner organisations ,volunteers and guests including the Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith, enjoy music and displays of work. Catalyst heard the news they it been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the work of its volunteer counsellors the day before.

Catalyst has been providing support for people across Surrey with drug and alcohol related problems over the last 30 years and is recognised for offering an individual, non-judgmental and welcoming approach and believes strongly that people have the ability to change with the right professional help.

The charity also works with friends and families, helping to minimise the harm to communities. The main programmes are Surrey-wide: Integrated Services for drugs and alcohol, Reach Out Counselling and The Welcome Project for mental health wellbeing in Guildford, Surrey Heath and Waverley.

Chief executive Haydn Morris said: “We want to be a Catalyst for bringing services together to inspire the best outcome for people who come to us. We are delighted to be able to look to the future with the recognition of the Queen’s Award for the hard work and skill of our volunteers and staff.”

Catalyst takes referrals from partner organisations as well as self-referrals and will work to find the best support for individuals to help them make changes in their lives.

Lively music from The Banned – comprised of clients, former clients and staff– began and ended the launch.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities.

The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s golden jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Catalyst will receive its award from the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey later this summer.

For more about the work of Catalyst go to www.catalystsupport.org.uk