Two charity support workers have been nominated for the Watford Observer Community Heroes Award.

Signposts’ Shae Forsythe and Kacey Clarke were recommended for the award by the charity’s acting chief executive Shirena Counter and the Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor.

The charity, which provides free support for young people dealing with mental health issues, has recently found itself in “severe, acute financial crisis”.

Ms Counter said: “We have nominated Shae and Kacey who are two of our brilliant volunteer support workers because we couldn't choose between the two of them.

“Both Kacey and Shae stand out because of their dedication and individual contributions to Signpost.”

Mr Taylor added: “Signpost do a fantastic job for our town, helping young people who experiencing mental health difficulties get the help they need for over 40 years. But now they need our help more than ever.

“Please give generously to help this group of community heroes continue to do the work they have been doing so diligently for our young people.”

Kacey (left) and Shae at Signpost

Both nominees are ex-service users. Shae first became involved with Signpost around two years ago when he received counselling from them over eight weeks.

He said: “During those weeks we discussed various points in my life that had impacted me in different ways to help me better understand and process my emotions and help me to become more open with myself and others.

“Fast forward a couple years and I’m studying health and social care at college. For my last work placement, I chose Signpost because I have a passion for mental health and because I wanted to give back to the counsellors for all they did for me.”

Speaking about her own experience Kacey said: “I had been referred there for help by my GP and they were wonderful.

“Having someone to talk to who understood the things I was trying to say helped more than I expected it would.

“I became a support worker at Signpost, initially, as part of my Duke of Edinburgh programme. I have now been volunteering there for almost five months longer than I was originally supposed to.

“Signpost is a truly incredible charity that I feel honoured to be even a small part of.”

Charity chief executive Shirena Counter added: “Kacey and Shae help with reception duties, mail outs, data collection and willingly do anything they are asked to.

“They brighten up the office, are enthusiastic, reliable, hard-working and great to have around - nothing is too much trouble for either of them. They are great examples of volunteers making a real difference.”

For more information, visit www.signpostcounselling.co.uk

Read original story here: https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/17211091.signpost-which-works-with-young-people-in-and-around-watford-could-shut-down/