AN EAST Hull woman who has transformed the fortunes of Preston Road Women's Centre has been chosen by the Prime Minister as the winner of a new volunteering award.
Josie Sherlock was given a Points of Light award after leading efforts to boost the work of the the charity.
Mum-of-four Ms Sherlock has dedicated huge amounts of her own time to overseeing vast developments in the operation.
She has helped increase its revenue to provide the vital services offered to vulnerable women in Hull and has also been instrumental in securing its long-term future.
Ms Sherlock said: "I was surprised and shocked to receive this award.
"I didn't expect anything like this. My manager put me in for the award but I had no idea about it.
"I started retraining in this field after teaching my two sons, who have special needs, life skills. I began volunteering in the shop and moved on from there."
As well as her sons, Ms Sherlock also has two daughters.
She used to work as a special needs assistant at a primary school and also ran her own nursery.
Ms Sherlock is the latest recipient of a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
The new award has been developed in partnership with the successful Points of Light programme in the US, which was established by President George H W Bush and has since recognised more than 5,000 people. It also has the support of President Barack Obama.
Determined to improve the shop, Ms Sherlock oversaw renovations, encouraged donations and increased revenue significantly.
All money raised is reinvested in the centre, which has been able to improve its services thanks to the extra cash.
Ms Sherlock has since taken up a variety of other roles, often taking part in the courses the centre delivers.
The centre aims to provide information, support and advice to women in Hull. It is a multi-purpose organisation run by women for women, offering a wide range of services under one roof.
Ms Sherlock is particularly dedicated to working with young women with Asperger's and autism as well as developing services for children affected by domestic violence.
Regardless of the accolades, Ms Sherlock, who has volunteered at the centre for four years, believes the work is reward enough.
She said: "The centre supports all women, some of whom are going through domestic violence.
"We put them on courses to help them build up their self-esteem after they've hit rock bottom.
"It is so rewarding to see the women go from having no confidence and grow into the individuals they should be. It's fantastic."
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Josie has made a fantastic contribution to the Preston Road Women's Centre."She has helped to increase its revenue, overhaul the support it offers to vulnerable women in Hull and develop new services for children affected by domestic violence.
"I'm delighted to recognise Josie's service by making her a Point of Light."
