We are incredibly proud to announce that Alison Smith, Chairperson of our Board of Trustees, has won the Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) Volunteer Awards "Trustee of the Year."

Taking place at Morlais Castle Golf Club yesterday, the VAMT Awards were scheduled to coincide with Volunteers Week 2023. Alison was presented with her award by Merthyr born actor, Steve Speirs (below).

Over the past twenty years, Alison has provided advice and support to organisations and charities throughout the UK, and, despite a having a very demanding job and a busy home life as a mother, and more recently as a grandmother, she still devotes an extraordinary amount of time to support the work of New Pathways.

Since taking up the Chairperson role in 2018, the charity has grown considerably under her guidance, and has navigated many challenges including the recent pandemic and the current financial crisis. Her passion and commitment are a great example, and undoubtedly inspire others to do more and to go the extra mile to support our clients.

Alison is also keen to ensure that New Pathways keeps the same family ethos that was present when the organisation was launched 30 years ago in Merthyr. These qualities and behaviours ensure that New Pathways is in safe hands and that it will continue to provide an excellent service to people in our communities who have been affected by rape and sexual abuse. Alison is a worthy winner of the Trustee award, it is very well deserved not only for her long years of service to both New Pathways but to the community at large.

"It was wonderful to see our Chair, Alison Smith, being recognised for her tireless support and commitment to New Pathways and our clients at the VAMT Awards yesterday evening. Alison was awarded “Trustee of the Year." It was humbling to hear Alison say that she had never been nominated for an award, express her gratitude that she had been chosen, and to be included in a group of such dedicated and deserving winners. We couldn’t be more proud of Alison and all our other volunteers who ensure that people who have experienced sexual violence can access the advocacy, support and counselling they need" - Leigh Martin, Head of Business Development and Funding