Local charity champion Ronnie Jacob was invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate volunteers from across the UK. Watford MP Dean Russell invited Ronnie who is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Watford Workshop.
The Watford Workshop provides employment, skills training, work experience and development in a supportive environment for adults with disabilities who face barriers to mainstream employment.
Since he started fundraising, Ronnie has raised a large sum of money to help support the invaluable work of the charity, which is a lifeline for its employees. The ethos of the charity is that every adult with a disability should be given the dignity of employment and they should have access to opportunities which allow them to work, learn and flourish. A job gives purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, and develops a social circle that builds long term friendships.
Dean commented that “Ronnie is an incredible champion of Watford Workshop. His passion for ensuring that the charity can thrive and have a sustainable future has helped to change the lives of so many that are employed by them. The countless hours Ronnie has given has enabled disabled people to feel valued, something many of us take for granted.
“When I was asked to nominate a charity champion, Ronnie was first on my list and I know he doesn’t like the attention or recognition – but he thoroughly deserves it.”
Ronnie said, “I want to thank Dean for the invite to No 10. To me, it was just the most incredible experience ever. To me it was about representing Watford Workshop, it's incredible service users and the dedication of their amazing staff that inspire myself and all Watford Workshop's volunteers to do all we can to ensure that people with disability can lead the best lives that they can".
