Katie Barnett, who has been a local educator for Life Education for the past 20 years, has been recognised for her services to the community by The High Sheriff of Dorset, Michael Dooley.

Katie was presented with the award by Felicity Hedger, a trustee of Life Education Wessex & Thames Valley, on behalf of the High Sheriff, at Upton Junior School this week.

Katie joined the charity Life Education as an educator in 2001 and has been a passionate and dedicated teacher for the health and emotional wellbeing charity for more than 20 years. During that time, she has helped young children to make healthy choices to keep them safe, healthy, happy and achieving their best. Katie has taught around 200,000 children in local primary schools across Dorset, assisted by ‘Harold’ the giraffe puppet, largely in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch areas.

Felicity Hedger said: “I’m delighted to present this award to Katie on behalf of The High Sheriff of Dorset, which recognises the appreciation of the residents and people of the High Sheriff’s County for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community. Katie is a dedicated educator/trainer who has built excellent relationships with local schools and teachers over many years and the children that she works with adore her”.

Katie Barnett said: “It has been a pleasure to work with so many amazing children over the years and to have played my part in helping them to think about how they can look after their own physical and mental wellbeing while also showing a caring and respectful attitude towards others. It really has been a team effort though, with everyone at Life Education, and of course, happy, healthy Harold who has been with me every step of the way.”

Life Education Wessex’s ‘Skills for Life’ programme teaches children how to look after their bodies, mental health and how to avoid risky behaviours that may be potentially damaging to their wellbeing and their futures.

To find out more about Life Education Wessex, please visit: www.lifeeducationwessex.org.uk