STAFF at Harlawhill Day Centre celebrated the commendation of their manager at an awards ceremony over the weekend – and paid tribute to their late chairperson at a memorial afternoon.

Last Friday, the winners of the Scottish Charity Awards – which recognise Scotland’s voluntary sector – were announced in an online event hosted by Sally Magnusson live from the EICC.

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), this year’s shortlist included 47 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.

The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel, with the 10th People’s Choice category winner decided by the public, with more than 12,000 votes cast.

A special commendation was given in the Employee of the Year category to Harlawhill Day Care Centre manager Fiona Mitchell.

Fiona supports the elderly community of Prestonpans every day.

When lockdown struck last year, she put an immediate outreach plan in place to keep all the centre’s clients socially connected, and tirelessly organised free meals, treats, telephone calls, boredom busters and day trips when restrictions permitted.

Fiona even opened up her own garden for several months to provide free afternoon teas and entertainment, as well as organising socially distanced street parties for VE Day, Prestonpans Gala Day and Hallowe’en.

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “At SCVO, we know that fantastic work is going on all the time in the voluntary sector and we were delighted to celebrate the achievements and successes of our finalists and winners at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.

“We had a record-breaking number of entries this year and each one demonstrated just how well the voluntary sector has responded and adapted to changes and restrictions over the past 12 months.

“Thanks to our sponsors, the team at the EICC, our host Sally Magnusson and everyone who applied and voted for making this year’s awards so special.

“Congratulations to our winners for 2021!”

On Sunday, the centre held a memorial day in honour of its late chairperson, Jean Thomson, who passed away in March.

Jean was instrumental in setting up and establishing Harlawhill Day Centre with Dr Pat Gracie in 1992, and she remained a trustee until her passing.

Her memorial afternoon was attended by family, friends, local drama groups and colleagues from Harlawhill.

Two memorial benches and a planter – funded through collections from Jean’s friends and family – were installed outside the centre and were unveiled by her beloved husband Ian Thomson and her family.

A spokesperson said: “She was such an amazing lady who did so much for her community of Prestonpans and will be forever missed by us all.

“She will always be a part of Harlawhill.

“If you are passing, please stop and have a seat and think of her and others no longer beside us on this journey called life.”