Residents recognised for their contribution to the local community
Val, Steve and Moss named Citizens of Honour
(Picture caption: Val and Steve are presented with their awards by the newly elected Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Nick Couldrey)
The Council has recognised the immense contributions to Eastleigh Borough of three local residents by making them Citizen of Honour at the annual Mayor Making Ceremony. The awards are given every two years in recognition of long and exceptional service to the community.
Val Down is the current president of Eastleigh Rotary, her third time in this office. She is a very hands-on volunteer, helping at events and raising funds for local causes. Val retired from her coaching and training business some time ago, but she has continued to support local small businesses through the networks she has set up and works on behalf of Eastleigh Rotary to raise funds and increase membership. Val also volunteers as a dementia awareness trainer and supports Brendon Care with their community hub and allotment. The allotment provides lots of fresh food for Eastleigh Basics Bank and flowers for the dementia home.
Steve Smith has been volunteering for One Community for over eight years. He has provided over 10,000 hours of support and has regular volunteering roles supporting young carers with transport to vital respite; driving vulnerable, older people to a social lunch club twice a week, and installing telecare services to over 500 homes across the Borough. Steve recognises when individuals are in need and signposts them to get the right services or support. He has improved the lives of over 5,000 Eastleigh residents and we hope he will continue to do so for years to come.
Mohammed ‘Moss’ Mossadaq
Moss has done an incredible amount to promote and encourage inclusion, diversity and community spirit in Eastleigh Borough. He was instrumental in setting up the Asian Welfare and Cultural Association (AWCA) in 2002 and has been a member, trustee, and advisor since it began. He started the Eastleigh Mela as a mini festival in 2006. It now attracts thousands of people each year. In 2014, Moss initiated the annual Diversity and Inclusion Award, which recognises the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organisations who promote accessibility, inclusion, and full community participation. Moss, who was unable to attend the ceremony, is also a Trustee for the Eastleigh Gurkha & Nepalese Association.