Ellen’s service nets reward
Tennis-loving Ellen Hutt, a member of Warwick District’s Senior People’s Forum, has had her voluntary work with the mentally ill marked with the award of the prestigious Order of Mercy.
Ellen will receive her medal from the Lord Mayor of London after being nominated by the League of Friends of South Warwickshire Mental Health Services.
The award marks her work with the mentally ill which dates back over 50 years and began when she volunteered at the Central Hospital, Hatton – formerly known as the County Lunatic Asylum - where her husband was a psychiatrist.
Over the years, Ellen organised trips to pantomimes and other social events, taking up to 40 patients at a time. Among the illnesses that patients were suffering from were schizophrenia and manic depression.
Ellen now volunteers at The Old Bank and is Secretary of Netherfield Association, a day centre for people with mental health problems, funded by Warwickshire County Council and the PCT.
She said: “I am thrilled to have won this award. It recognises the value of what we have done on behalf of people with mental health problems in Warwickshire and I am always delighted when mental health issues get a raised profile.”
Ellen is also very prominent in the Senior People’s Forum, where she and other members have established a walking group that serves to bring older people in the area together to take exercise and socialise. Coach outings allow the older people to venture further afield.
Exercise remains an important part of Ellen’s life. Now 74, she remains a keen tennis player. As a youngster, at Junior Wimbledon, Ellen played Anne Jones, who would go on to win the senior tournament.
Joan Draper, soon to be the Chair of Warwick District’s Senior People’s Forum was also delighted with Ellen’s award: “Ellen is a credit to the Forum and does a great deal of work alongside all of her voluntary work with the mentally ill. I am delighted that her hard work and commitment have been recognised.”
Warwick District’s Senior People’s Forum gives anyone over the age of 50 a chance to discuss issues of importance in their local communities and influence the development of relevant services. Anybody interested in joining can do so by calling 01926 312955.