Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS) was presented with the Meals on Wheels Award at the 2016 National Association of Care Catering Awards gala dinner ceremony, held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham last night (6 October).
HILS is a not-for-profit, charitable, Social Enterprise that has been bucking the trend in a declining meals on wheels market since it was founded in 2007. The organisation delivers 500,000 meals and welfare checks, as well as many other caring services, every year to help keep thousands of elderly, frail, or disabled people happy, healthy, and independent in their own homes.
The Award, sponsored by the meals producer apetito, celebrates organisations that not only engage strongly with clients to meet their nutritional and hydration needs, but also go the extra mile to support vulnerable people. Upon receiving the Award, Sarah Wren MBE, Chief Executive at HILS, said: “We are overjoyed to be named the winners of the NACC Meals on Wheels Award. It is a great honour to havethe hard work of our fantastic and committed team recognised, and it’s wonderful to be able to tell the world that meals on wheels services really do matter and can make a huge difference.”
Speaking about last night’s event, Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, commented: “We are privileged to work in a sector where talented and inspirational professionals push boundaries to deliver quality catering provision that enriches the lives of those entrusted to their care. In all our finalists we see real dedication to the highest standards and I am in awe of each and every one ofthem. It’s an absolute honour to recognise this through the NACC Awards.”
For many older or disabled people, the ability to receive regular meals can make the difference between being able to live in their own home and having to move into residential care. HILS are committed to helping vulnerable adults lead better, more fulfilling lives as valued members of our community. Sarah Wren and her team are working hard to make this dream a reality. “We always say we want to change the world”, explains Sarah, “and we’re starting with Hertfordshire.”
