Community Hero honours for Westbourne volunteer champion
Post on 5th December 2025
A Westbourne volunteer has been recognised for his extraordinary decades of charitable service with a special award.
Paul Yates, 61, is the latest recipient of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care’s Community Hero Award. He was presented with the honour by the company’s Westbourne branch team on Poole Road, along with a luxury afternoon tea hamper.
With an exceptional record of community service, Paul has dedicated 22 years to the Poppy Appeal, raising £155,000, and 10 years as volunteer on Brownsea Island nature reserve in Poole Harbour, to welcome and support visitors. He also clocked up 45 years with the Scouting movement.
His outstanding contributions have been recognised at the highest level – Paul was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2008 for services to charity and the Scouts and received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his volunteer work with the Royal British Legion.
Branch Manager Linda Langton said: “Paul’s dedication to serving others is truly inspiring. His decades of commitment to the Poppy Appeal, scouting and his work on Brownsea Island demonstrate an extraordinary spirit of service. We’re honoured to recognise his countless contributions to our community with the Scrivens Community Hero Award. Paul exemplifies what it means to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.”
Commenting on his Scrivens Community Hero Award, Paul said: “I was surprised but delighted to receive this award from Scrivens. For me, volunteering is special because I get to meet so many different people and I enjoy being hands on in the organising, but most importantly making a difference to causes close to my heart. I would recommend anyone to volunteer. It gives you so much back. I now look forward to enjoying my afternoon tea when I next get a break!”
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business that was established over 85 years ago in 1938. It has 166 high-street stores in towns and cities across England and Wales, with 1,000 employees. For more information, visit www.scrivens.com.