Yvonne receives volunteer of the year award

Leading local advice charity, Citizens Advice Exeter, is delighted to announce that Yvonne Amer has received the inaugural Hazel Ball volunteer of the year award. 

The award bears the name of our friend and colleague, Hazel Ball, who we sadly lost in 2015. Hazel first joined our Board in 1980, and was a vocal advocate for the work of our charity throughout her career and in retirement.

Yvonne was recognised for her hard work, reliability and flexibility; and was presented with her award by Hazel’s husband, Jeff Skinner, and their daughters Lydia and Elly.

Hazel’s husband, Jeff Skinner, said: “We were delighted to be invited to present this well-deserved award to Yvonne. It was important to us that Hazel’s involvement with Citizens Advice Exeter was marked in some way, and we are really pleased to be able to support this annual award.”

Award recipient Yvonne Amer said: “It was a big surprise to be nominated for the award, and then to win it I was almost speechless. For the award to bear the name of Hazel Ball is extra special. She was a very important trustee and supporter of the charity. I will cherish this.”

Steve Barriball, Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive finished by saying: “The award is an important part of how we remember Hazel. She played an important role in ensuring that our volunteering environment and the opportunities on offer were the best that they could be. To mark Yvonne’s achievements with an award in Hazel’s name is perfect. We still miss Hazel terribly. But by making this award an annual event it will mean that Hazel’s legacy with the Citizens Advice service continues.”