Volunteer Behind Sensory Room Receives National Recognition

A young woman who contributed to the establishment of a sensory room has been honored at a national awards ceremony. Alisha Burley, 19, was one of three finalists in the outstanding volunteer category at the Seriously Social awards. Ms. Burley, who has learning difficulties, assisted in creating the calming and colorful area at Cleethorpes library, designed for neurodiverse children and adults. “I had a wonderful time at the awards,” she said. “I was very proud and felt like a winner just for being able to go.” Ms. Burley began volunteering with Lincs Inspire Libraries last December, through an arrangement with Linkage College in Grimsby. Following her work on the sensory room, which opened in July, she was invited to the awards ceremony in Manchester. The event was hosted by Sally Gunnell, the Olympic gold medal-winning former athlete. Ms. Burley mentioned that she would not have had the confidence to attend the glitzy event a year ago. “I love working at the library,” she added. Anna Brader, a colleague and mentor, accompanied Ms. Burley to the event. She said: “I am so proud to have been a part of her journey so far, and am so pleased that we have been able to offer her a volunteering opportunity that has allowed her to shine. “I am looking forward to seeing what other great things she can achieve within this role.” The Seriously Social awards aimed to underscore the social impact made by charitable trusts and their teams. Kirsty Cumming, the chief executive of organiser Community Leisure UK, extended congratulations to Ms. Burley and all the winners and finalists. “They are a shining example of what the charitable sector does best – putting people above profit to create positive social change,” she said. A local celebration for Ms. Burley is planned at Cleethorpes Library on 11 December, as part of a Christmas concert called Boogie, Books and Brew.