Some of the borough’s most caring people have been honoured in the second Compassionate Community Awards.

The scheme, a collaboration by the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and supported by the KM, is designed to thank those who have gone above and beyond to help others.

A woman who stood out to judges is Sheila Burgman, honoured as compassionate neighbour and volunteer.

After her son, Danny, tragically took his own life in 2003 from an overdose, she came across a national charity called Sobs which counsels families dealing with the devastating loss.

But Sheila noticed there was little support available locally so she started her own branch in Maidstone and has been running it ever since 2005.

During the lockdown Sheila made herself available by phone 24 hours a day helping families come to terms with the tragedy and now restrictions have eased, she holds regular meetings as well as weekend get-togethers across Kent.

She said: “I feel very honoured and humbled to get the award. Running the group meetings and having people come for a chat can help many people, but it is not for everyone.

“Dealing with the aftermath of suicide is a very particular, difficult kind of grief and the one person you want to give you answers can’t do so. In my case Danny had not been having suicidal thoughts.”

Carly Hayman and Clare Kyte both came out on top for the compassionate teacher award.

Miss Hayman from Tiny Treasures Preschool in Tovil Hill was nominated by a parent for the ‘unwavering’ support she gave her son Oliver throughout the pandemic while trying to get him an Educational Health Care Plan.

The 35-year-old, who has worked at the preschool for four years, helped with appointments, filling in forms and chasing up outcomes while dealing with the constant changes Covid-19 brought to routines.

Oliver was there to cheer her on as she picked up her award during Monday night’s ceremony in the Town Hall.

Miss Hayman from Shepway said: “ I’m still in shock because I do what I do because I love to see the families smile but I didn’t know I had made that much of an impact.

Also picking up a prize was Clare Kyte from Palace Wood Primary School.

She was also nominated by a parent for arranging a week of activities for the children as they had missed out on their residential trip, arranged activities online when pupils had to stay home and set up picnics so children could be together one last time.

Mrs Kyte, who has taught at the school for seven years, said: “I work at a school where we all pitch in together as a team but it meant a lot to me and my family too.

“Without my teaching assistant Mrs Lembo, as well as the wonderful class, I wouldn’t have been nominated.”

For the second year in a row, Express Cabs in Station Approach picked up the award for compassionate business and workplace, for running a care line and drivers collected food for the homeless.

Eastfield Care Home was recognised in the care and residential home category for the compassion and resilience staff provided to residents. When Covid reached the home, several staff and carers decided to live-in.

Staplehurst Emergency Help Team and Community Hub and its 90 volunteers won the community category for setting up a community hub, handing out food parcels and helping 500 vulnerable residents.

Katie-Jo Webb picked up the prize for compassionate young person for the care she provided her community through lockdown. She was nominated by her mother, who is vulnerable, for taking the time to do her, and her neighbour’s shopping.

She also volunteered at vaccination hubs and rang people to keep in touch with them through lockdowns.

The judging panel was composed of Alison Broom, chief executive of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr David Burton, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Rachel Street, interim chief executive of The Heart of Kent Hospice and Mary Graham, news editor of the Kent Messenger.

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