Community Action Dacorum were recently recognised with an award at the 29th Annual Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards which took place on Tuesday 26th March in the wonderful setting of Micklefield Hall, Rickmansworth.

​This year’s Awards focused on recognising and celebrating Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities working with people within the High Sheriff’s theme of ‘reading, writing and rehabilitation’ and we are delighted that Community Action Dacorum was recognised for our work in supporting literacy in the local community and how we bring people together, in particular our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training and our use of Radio Dacorum to provide oracy and literacy development to individuals with learning difficulties. 

Dr Simon Aulton, CEO of Community Action Dacorum said “it was great to be able to showcase some of the many services the volunteers and staff at Community Action Dacorum provide to make a positive difference to people locally.  We were thrilled and honoured to be recognised by the High Sheriff, particularly for our ESOL training, supporting people who are new to Hertfordshire, and some of the fantastic work that Radio Dacorum are doing with autistic presenters.”

The High Sheriff Liz Green said, “I feel extremely privileged to have represented Hertfordshire as High Sheriff during my year in office. Many of us take reading for granted and I decided to highlight the problems faced on a daily basis by those with low literacy. From trying to read instructions on a medicine bottle, to understanding a utility bill or navigating a bus timetable – seemingly easy tasks, yet over 20% of Hertfordshire residents will struggle.

“It has been an enlightening and rewarding year and I have met many wonderful charities and voluntary groups across the whole of Hertfordshire who do so much to help vulnerable individuals. 

“Members of the judging panel were inspired by all the nominations we received, and it was an extremely difficult job to shortlist the winners of a 2024 High Sheriff Award. I am delighted to have been able to celebrate some of the very special people and organisations for the outstanding work they do in our county.”

Dr Simon Aulton, CEO, Helen Mutio, Deputy CEO and Linda Nateghi, Head of Training and Development were at the event to collect our award.