As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2023, East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity has won the Community Champion award.   

The awards, now in their 20th year, are one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role of firms in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.   

The Community Champion award recognises the work of an organisation that facilitates, participates in and enables community engagement, demonstrating the power of giving back.  

A member of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the charity provides volunteer companionship to people receiving end of life care at Lister Hospital, whose loved ones cannot be there for them. 

Known as the ‘Butterfly Service’, its volunteers made 2,613 visits in the last 12 months, including 1,279 visits to people who had no other personal contacts. 

The service also provides outreach into the community to raise awareness of its work and what end of life care involves. 

Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:    

“I am in awe of the charity’s volunteers, who selflessly give up their time to provide companionship to others, in what must often be a very challenging role. The positive impact the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity creates, with just nine employees, is amazing. This is also backed up by its fantastic commitment to investing in its volunteers, their training and well-being support. Bravo.”