We are excited to share some recent achievements made by people in the Genesis Trust community. Genesis is about people: clients, volunteers, the staff team and those who support our work. Today we want to celebrate the accomplishments of both our clients and our volunteers. 

Client Sarah Excell 

Genesis Trust hosts two teams in the Bath Boules league. The teams are comprised of people whom Genesis have supported over the years. What we’ve seen is that these boules teams have become a big part of people’s journey to a better future. It counteracts the effects of isolation; they have fun together and it has become a healthy and supportive community.  

The teams are supported by volunteer Nick Crook, but over the years the teams have begun to organise themselves for practices and tournaments. They have become more independent and taken ownership of their teams.  

One of our clients, Sarah, has played on the boules team for two and a half years now. The social and supportive community aspect of the team has played a huge role in improving her mental wellbeing. Last July, at the Bath Boules summer tournament, Sarah was awarded the ‘Best Young Player of the Bath League Patanque.’  

She said, ‘I was so surprised to receive the award. It has made me so happy and quite proud. I try to get people playing and support people of all abilities to be involved.” 

We are so proud of Sarah and want to share a big congratulations with her. She has overcome many challenges and has become a real encouragement to the other team members.  

Volunteer Nick Crook  

Nick started volunteering for Genesis Trust in the winter of 2017. He volunteers at many of our Life Skills courses and activities like the Men’s Group, art and music groups, walking groups just to name a few. But one of Nick’s biggest investments of time has been with our Bath Boules teams. From the beginning of the Genesis teams’ involvement in Bath Boules, Nick has been there walking alongside the players. 

Recently, Nick was awarded the ‘David Keith Trophy’ for his contribution to the league. It is referred to as the ‘spirit of the event’ award. Nick was key to the formation and continuity of our two Bath Boules teams. He still volunteers his time overseeing the teams, but they have become more independent in organising themselves now. 

Nick says, ‘Boules has helped people come out of their shells, some people become committed to being there as much as they can and some people, who are reluctant to play at first, find they enjoy it and become regulars. It has been encouraging to see the teams develop.’ 

Congratulation to Nick and thank you so much for all the time and connection you make with our clients. Such a well-deserved award.  

Event of the Year at Radio Bath Charity Awards  

We are very grateful for our challenge event; the Leap of Faith! abseil from the Bath Abbey tower. It has been a showcase fundraising event for Genesis Trust since 2018 with hundreds of people getting involved. In October, we won the ‘Event of the Year Award’ for this years Leap of Faith! abseil at the Radio Bath Charity Awards!   

Sue Fourie, Genesis Life Projects Manager, and Ed Major, Communications Manager, where there to accept the award.  But we’d like to give a massive thank you to Hilary Long who worked so hard over the years organising the Leap of Faith! abseil in partnership with Bath Abbey. While she worked for Genesis, she organised four abseils from the Bath Abbey tower (and one from St Stephens Church in 2024).   

We’d also like to thank Bath Abbey for allowing us to use their iconic Abbey tower for the event. Bath Abbey has been such a supportive partner and participant in all the abseils. We’d also like to thank Radio Bath for honouring us with the award.  

And finally, a massive thank you to all the people who have taken part in the abseils over the years to raise funds. Together we are supporting homeless and vulnerable people in our community.  

Well done Sarah and Nick for your achievements this year, and to all involved in the Leap of Faith! People are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be part of these achievements, building up our community and working toward a better future.