Hampshire's New Year's honour winners
Source: Sian Davies
THE WOMAN who has spearheaded the success of voluntary organisations across Southampton for decades has been honoured for her dedicated service in the New Year's honours list.
Southampton Voluntary Services chief executive and secretary Jo Ash said she was in complete shock when she received the letter from the Cabinet Office which told her she was to become a CBE.
"It was just utter disbelief. I had to read the letter twice," said Jo who has headed Southampton Voluntary Services organisation which is the umbrella body for charitable groups in the city, since 1992.
Jo, pictured below, said the award for her services to the charity sector, showed the importance of charity and volunteering sectors, which she described as often under valued.
Jo, 60, said: "This isn't just for me but it is in recognition of all the volunteers and the team I have around me at SVS. It is important that the charitable sector does get recognised in this way as it can often be under valued and under recognised.
"I am of course extremely thrilled and excited about the honour," she added.
Along with her role at the SVS, she also held the role of vice chairman of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations for six years and was a trustee for over a decade.
Based at Kingsland Square SVS provides a wide range of services including specialist support, advice and training members. Along with overseeing volunteering organisations in the city, SVS run their own projects including Shopmobility, Young Carers, Southampton Healthwatch and a drug support scheme called Morph.
The organisation also co-ordinates the annual toy appeal in the city which ensures deprived and vulnerable youngsters get at least one gift at Christmas.
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