Former police officer is ambulance service 'volunteer of the year'

Mandy Chapman received the award at the Trust's annual staff awards ceremony, held on Thursday 10 September at the Delta Hotels Peterborough, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting ambulance crews through her work on the Welfare Wagon in mid and south Essex.

EEAST has six welfare wagons across the region, supported by the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, which offer refreshments, emotional support and a friendly face to ambulance crews during their busy shifts.

Mandy is a regular sight outside Broomfield and Basildon Hospitals' A&E departments, giving up her free time to provide vital wellbeing support to frontline colleagues. She is often accompanied by her dog Baloo, a retired Essex Police dog who lost a leg after being injured in the line of duty.

Before volunteering with EEAST, Mandy served for 30 years with the Metropolitan Police, including 24 years as a dog handler. She later adopted Baloo, and together they have dedicated themselves to supporting the wellbeing of emergency service personnel. Mandy helped to establish the nationally recognised OK9 wellbeing dog programme.

In 2024, Mandy received a Points of Light Award from then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in recognition of her work to improve the welfare of police officers and police staff across Essex.

Mandy said: "I was genuinely shocked to win when I know how many wonderful people there are in EEAST. I really appreciate being nominated. It's an honour to be able to help and support frontline ambulance crews with the Welfare Wagon. To bring a smile to their faces when they are so busy is hugely rewarding. I see heroes in green every single week."

Neill Moloney, EEAST Chief Executive, said: "Mandy embodies everything that makes our volunteers so special. The support she provides through the Welfare Wagon, often alongside Baloo, makes a real difference to frontline staff facing busy and demanding shifts.

"On behalf of everyone at EEAST, I would like to congratulate Mandy on this thoroughly deserved recognition and thank her for the incredible contribution she continues to make to our service."

The Stars of EEAST Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of staff, volunteers and teams from across the Trust who go above and beyond to provide outstanding care and support to patients and colleagues.

Photo caption: Mandy Chapman (centre) receiving the Volunteer of the Year award from EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney (left) and Chief Finance Officer Steven Course.