Corby charity boss wins national award

A Corby woman who runs a charity for people affected by Asperger's has won a national award.
Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger'sElaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's
Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's

Elaine Nicholson set up Action for Asperger’s (AfA) in 2008, having seen the impact the condition has on the family members of those affected.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now Elaine has been named one of 66 winners at the Halifax Giving Extra Awards for her hard work supporting those affected by Asperger’s.

Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger'sElaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's
Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's

She said: “I was astonished to hear that I had won a Halifax Giving Extra Award.

“Our work is massive, but always undertaken in a quiet, low key manner and by working in this way there is a tendency to go unnoticed.

“I am honoured that the work we do at Action for Asperger’s has been recognised in this way.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Elaine, who was nominated by former client Sonia Owen, volunteers more than 100 hours each week to the charity, providing counselling sessions to clients nationwide and worldwide through Skype sessions.

Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger'sElaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's
Elaine Nicholson of Action for Asperger's

There is a growing demand for her specialist counselling services and Elaine also raises funds to organise day trips to help patients with socialising, so all donations are welcome.

Further information can be found at www.actionforaspergers.org.

The Halifax Giving Extra Awards reward people who bring communities together and help them thrive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Charity fundraisers, sports coaches, community volunteers and many more have been recognised for the contribution they make.

The awards are an important part of Lloyds Banking Group’s ambition to help Britain prosper.

Community Ambassador for Halifax Leicester Denise Nally said: “The work that Elaine has done for the community is outstanding and truly deserves this recognition.

“She has truly gone the extra mile for people in our community – and we are delighted to recognise this.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Halifax Giving Extra Award winners will each receive £300 in Supercheque vouchers and will be put forward to be chosen as one of seven regional winners.

Regional winners will be announced by the end of February and will each receive £5,000 to make a further difference in their community.

Halifax Community Bank group director Russell Galley said: “Halifax is committed to bringing communities closer together.

“We believe we should give extra back to people like Elaine Nicholson who are pivotal to driving positive and lasting change.

“We’re proud that Elaine is one of our Halifax Giving Extra Award winners.”

Related topics: