Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Hazel Brindle on Community, Compassion and the Power of Believing in People
At this year’s Community Spirit Awards, Hazel Brindle received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of decades of service to communities across Calderdale. From supporting disadvantaged young people and leading community projects through Rotary to founding Nest Helping the Homeless, Hazel has dedicated her life to helping others. We sat down with Hazel to reflect on the people, experiences and values that have shaped her remarkable journey.
What first inspired you to get involved in helping others?
I think it started when I was 18 and working in Liverpool. I was asked to work with young people on remand, teaching personal grooming. I arrived with a carefully planned programme, but quickly realised I was the one doing the learning.
Many of those young people had experienced challenges and hardships that I’d never encountered. It opened my eyes to how different people’s lives can be and gave me a much greater understanding of the difficulties some people face.
Later, through my work in education and with programmes such as the Prince’s Trust, I continued working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. That experience stayed with me throughout my life.
Is that what eventually led to your work supporting homeless people?
Yes. Through my work with young people, I became increasingly aware of the challenges facing vulnerable people in society.
When we started what became Rucksacks4Homeless, which later evolved into Nest Helping the Homeless, we spoke to organisations and outreach workers who confirmed there was a real need. We started small, with support from Rotary, providing new rucksacks filled with essential items.
Over the years, we’ve adapted what we provide based on feedback from the people and organisations we support. The project has grown enormously, but the aim has always remained the same: to offer practical help, dignity and hope.
Many of those young people had experienced challenges and hardships that I’d never encountered. It opened my eyes to how different people’s lives can be and gave me a much greater understanding of the difficulties some people face.
Later, through my work in education and with programmes such as the Prince’s Trust, I continued working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. That experience stayed with me throughout my life.
"My life has been un-boring."
Is there one person whose story has stayed with you?
There are many, but two stand out.
One was Colin, who became heavily involved in our work. When I first met him, he seemed lost and lacked confidence. Over time, because people believed in him and gave him opportunities, he absolutely blossomed.
Shortly before he passed away from an aggressive cancer, we were able to recognise his contribution with a Paul Harris Fellowship award. Seeing how much that meant to him and his family was incredibly moving.
Another is a young man called Nick. After coming out of prison and overcoming addiction, he rebuilt his life, found work, reconnected with family and achieved goals he never thought possible. Although his journey has not always been straightforward, he still keeps in touch and knows he can call whenever he needs someone to talk to.
Both stories remind me that everyone deserves support, understanding and another chance.
What advice would you give to younger generations about volunteering?
Give it a try. Even if it’s only an hour or two a week, volunteering helps you understand people and communities in a completely different way. It broadens your perspective, helps you appreciate other people’s experiences and gives you a sense of purpose. I have seen first-hand how volunteering can transform not only the people being supported, but also the volunteers themselves.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
I hope I’ve helped create opportunities for people who need a second chance. Whether that’s a young person struggling to find their path, someone overcoming addiction or somebody experiencing homelessness, I hope I’ve played a small part in helping people believe in themselves and rebuild their lives. Ultimately, I hope people remember that everyone has value and potential.
What gives you hope for the future?
The generosity of people and organisations who continue to support communities. Without charities, volunteers, donors and organisations that provide funding, many vulnerable people would have nowhere to turn. The fact that people continue to care and continue to help gives me hope.
What did winning the Lifetime Achievement Award mean to you?
I don’t think words can fully express it, it meant the world to me. I never set out to win awards or receive recognition. I simply did what I felt needed doing. To know that people value and appreciate that work was incredibly moving. It gave me a real sense that the efforts of so many years had meant something.
Quick Fire Questions
Tea or coffee?
Green tea
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset
Favourite place in Calderdale?
The moorland around Norland
One word to describe Calderdale’s community?
Friendly
Hidden talent?
Glass making
Favourite comfort food?
Toast
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Never sleep on an argument.
What makes you smile instantly?
Someone else’s smile.
What would you like people to remember about you?
That I believed in people.
