Barnsley Platinum Champions - Peter Robertshaw

We also spoke to Peter Robertshaw, from HOPE in Community, about his Platinum Champion Award.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Peter Robertshaw, I am a dad to two daughters Isabella and Safia, a stepdad to two boys Kamiron and Kyle and my beautiful partner is Maria. I am the founder & chairperson of H.O.P.E in Community. I am also a trustee for DIAL Barnsley, Barnsley street pastors and sit on Kingstone Ward Alliance. As well as being JCI (Junior Chamber International) Admin Director, I also have dyslexia and writing my own book on volunteer management.

Tell us about HOPE in Community

H.O.P.E in Community, which stands for 'Helping Others Positively Engaged in Community' and was founded in September 2017. We became a charitable incorporated organisation in February 2020, and we are currently 100% led by volunteers. H.O.P.E in Community provides cooking on a budget courses, a mental health social club, a listening service, a toddlers group, healthy holidays provision, job support as well as having a support hub/ charity shop in Peel Square in Barnsley.

HOPE in Community logo

What is your role there, and how long have you done it?

I am the founder and chairperson of H.O.P.E in Community, and I also manage the business development side of the charity. I have been involved in H.O.P.E in Community since day one in September 2017. I have also managed a youth club since 2013.

What made you want to get involved?

During my childhood and my previous marriage, I suffered from abuse and wanted to provide safe places for individuals to feel safe and supported and to get people who struggle, to be involved in their community.

Had you volunteered before?

Yes, I started volunteering where I was 12 years old in a school holiday scheme as a junior youth worker, as my dream always was to be a youth worker. I have had many roles since as admin support, street pastors, children and youth work, mobility shop, retail, committees and much more.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering is my lifeline. It makes me feel able to help others, give to my community and develop myself. It means that I can support those who are struggling no matter of the circumstances and it helps to maintain a good mental wellbeing.

How did you find out that you had won the Platinum Champion award?

I was nominated by one of my volunteers, Jenna Bishop, with support from Craig Aubrey from the Central Area Team. On the 16 May, Craig received an email stating “your nomination for a platinum champion has been chosen!”. I was one of the 490 platinum champions out of over 3,000 nominations and in addition to that I was picked by the expert panel of judges as one of the 70 most outstanding Platinum Champions, which gave me two tickets to the Platinum Party at the Place, and two tickets for the Eden Projects Big Jubilee Lunch in London.

The Big Lunch spread!

Photo from Peter Robertshaw

What did you get for the award?

As well as the tickets, I received a specially designed official platinum champions pin and a signed certificate from her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall. I carry my pin around with me and the certificate is on the wall in our support hub

Peter with his award and certificate

Photo from Peter Robertshaw

What has it been like since?

It was very exciting and tiring! On the Friday night before the events started, we went to London and in the evening I came a cross a man who I thought was unconscious, so I went to him to see if he was breathing and help him come round, so he was safe. I'm back to being me now, Mr busy Peter, supporting my community, but holding my head with pride!

You got to go to the party at the Palace, how was that experience?

The party was amazing, and the atmosphere was on fire! There were over 20,000 people, all celebrating the 70 years’ service of Her Majesty the Queen. Everyone was proud and excited so many big names were performing. Then the next day, we got to go to The Oval for the Big Lunch. Being next to HRH Prince Charles and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall was amazing, and hear the story from some of the other winners was great!

Prince Charles from The Big Lunch

Photo from Peter Robertshaw

The Dutchess Of Cornwall and Alex Jones at The Big Lunch

Photo from Peter Robertshaw

What was the best bit?

The best bit from me was the drone show at Buckingham Palace, and that just felt like magic! It's been great to see all the lovely messages congratulating me of this achievement, but I dedicate this award to every person who volunteers and gives service to their community, no matter how big or small that might be.

You can read more about Peter's trip to London on his blog post, on the H.O.P.E website, here - https://www.hopeincommunity.co.uk/post/becoming-aplatinum-champion

You can also hear more about what H.O.P.E do from Peter here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8pMK-_N3Mw