Venet is a true community champion

​Venet Poyser’s determination and care for others has earned her a nomination in the Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards.

The 49-year-old mother of two from Matson works tirelessly to manage home life, work and voluntary projects to help the community.

Friends say she has dedicated her life to ensuring that nobody goes without, helping people with everyday tasks from shopping to fixing things around the home.

She has been put forward in the Volunteer Hero category, sponsored by GE Aviation.

Nominator Churchill Audi, who met her during a community project, said: “She is a mother who lost her job several years ago, struggled to bring up her children at the same time, but still worked supporting groups of people.

“She is a brilliant, flexible and charming person who has done a lot for the African and Caribbean community.”

Venet has been involved with many groups over the years, and has helped particularly vulnerable members of the black community in Gloucester, a role that has seen her become Gloucestershire County Council’s African Caribbean community agent.

She set up a carers’ group, started a keep-fit club and organises swimming sessions, as well as making sure the elderly and infirm are given access to services.

She is also the children and youth co-ordinator at Seventh Day Church, in Hatherley Road, has set up a Kids’ Club, puts on shows for residents, and is involved with the Gloucestershire Older Persons’ Assembly.

Venet, who was shocked by her nomination, says her work is not so much a career but a lifestyle. She describes herself as a “have a go person” whose drive means she does not stop until a task is complete and people are content.

The Echo and its sister title, The Citizen, are responsible for the Pride of Gloucestershire Community Awards.

The categories are: Local Hero, Brave Heart Hero, Community Project, Caring Hero, Environmental Hero, Public Sector Hero, and, for the first time, Volunteer Hero.

The winners will be announced on June 25.