As we move in to 2025, we have been reflecting on our achievements of past year, particularly those of Fine Cell Work's incredibly talented stitchers.

In 2024, we gave out 202 Stitcher Awards and bonuses to our stitchers across multiple categories. Stitchers are nominated by the volunteer who supports and trains them in prison, and then our judging panel reviews the recommendations, selecting the stitchers who will receive the awards.

There were notable increases in the amount of awards given out across many categories in 2024. This rise reflects the progress our existing stitchers have made, but also the high number of new stitchers we have been working with over past year. We gave out 74 McGrath Progress Awards compared to 57 in 2023, which shows just how far our stitchers have come.  

The Stitchers Awards recognise achievement, but they also make stitchers feel appreciated and valued by the Fine Cell Work community. Each award holder also receives additional financial funds in time for the Christmas period. Our 2024 awards were generously supported by The Brothers Trust, The McGrath Trust and The Radcliffe Trust. 

For some groups, awards ceremonies were organised by the volunteers. Stitchers were presented with their certificates, along with a letter commenting on their progress and achievements. The stitchers feel a real sense of pride when receiving the award and comments, as one stitcher says: 

"Receiving the award means so much to me. I was going through a difficult time when I was nominated, and I found it uplifting to receive a certificate and read the volunteer's comments. I was particularly proud that the she used the word 'fastidious' when describing my work!"

Fine Cell Work's Volunteer and Programmes Manager, Gloria, attended a ceremony and was really struck by how much impact the awards have: 

"Some of the stitchers might have never received a certificate, attended a ceremony or received words of praise in their entire life, so this just shows that recognising the work of our stitchers with the annual Stitcher Awards really makes a difference."

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The full list of awards is as follows:

Gold Standard Award for our most outstanding stitchers who have shown they can produce complex commissions to deadlines, working quickly and reliably to a very high standard, demonstrating the ability to adapt to new techniques.

Volunteering, Leadership and Teaching Award for prisoners who have shown leadership and commitment in acting as Class Coordinators or Peer Mentors.

McGrath Progress Award for stitchers who have shown real progress in developing new skills and confidence. 

Excellence in Lone Stitching Award given to stitchers who have worked independently of cell groups, with dedication and commitment.

George Gater Award for overcoming personal challenges and showing perseverance.

Outstanding Contribution to Fine Cell Work for stitchers who are champions of Fine Cell Work within their prison and/or stitchers who have worked very competently and quickly to deadlines when something is needed particularly urgently, or to finish pieces for the commissions team.

Production Commendation Award to reward stitchers who were not nominated by volunteers, but produced eight or more Fine Cell Work kits over the last year.

Broderers Award for outstanding stitchers who have shown real creativity and initiative and/or stitchers who have mastered a new skill. They will have gone above and beyond what is expected of them and made a substantial contribution to Fine Cell Work's production capabilities. 

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You can support our work in prisons and post-release by choosing to buy a Fine Cell Work Product, by making a donation or by leaving a legacy to Fine Cell Work.

There are many ways to get involved with Fine Cell Work. Our diverse community is made up of stitchers, post-release apprentices, volunteers, trustees and staff.

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