MBE for Camelon's Sensory Centre manager

Jacquie Winning (55), from Falkirk, earned herself an MBE for her continued commitment to helping people throughout 2020, despite the restrictions that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was quick to praise members of her team.

Mrs Winning said: “This award recognises the achievements of everyone at the Sensory Centre in what has been an exceptionally challenging year. Thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to adapt by our team, volunteers and partners, and the tremendous support of our Board of Directors.

“Together we have been able to continue to provide essential services for our vision and hearing impaired centre users, who continue to be some of the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the pandemic.

“I am privileged to work with such an inspiring group of people at Forth Valley Sensory Centre and I am grateful for the recognition.”

Mrs Winning manages all the FVSC activities and brings together partner organisations to provide wrap around support to people with sensory loss.

While COVID-19 has had a significant impact on people with hearing loss, who experience problems due to face masks interfering with their ability to lip read, while those with sight loss faced significant difficulties managing to maintain physical distancing.

Mrs Winning ensured people with sight loss living with these restrictions had access to braille copies of essential COVID-19 information, as well as a telephone, text and e-mail befriending service to support those who were isolated as a result of lockdown.