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We are hugely excited and proud to write this. Points of Light is an award for outstanding individual volunteers in the community.
Set up by President George W. Bush in 1990, the UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and was officially launched at 10 Downing Street in April 2014. Ever since, on every weekday, the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the daily Point of Light award….. and Marmalade’s founder Amy Perrin has only gone and been awarded it!
In a personal letter to Amy, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “By creating ‘The Marmalade Trust’ to provide support for those facing loneliness and social isolation, you have brought together hundreds of people who would otherwise be alone. Your fundraising and awareness-raising efforts have been truly inspirational and you should feel very proud of coordinating an annual Christmas event that welcomes older generations at a time of year which is about people coming together.”
Amy set up Marmalade Trust in 2013, after realising through her work as an occupational therapist with the NHS just how many older people spent Christmas Day completely alone. Since then Amy has provided more than hundreds of people with a welcoming and communal lunch and recruited over many more volunteers. Last year saw Marmalade Trust hold the first ever UK Loneliness Awareness Week (LAW), which reached over 750,000 people. The amazing response we’ve had from across all demographics of society shows just how much loneliness can affect us all. We are truly proud of Amy for all her amazing work and for helping to put loneliness on the national agenda.
“I am delighted and honoured to be given this award for my work in volunteering and setting up ‘Marmalade Trust’,” Amy says. “Loneliness is something I feel passionate about trying to address in our communities, and this award not only highlights our work, but raises awareness of the issue. It would not have been possible to have supported and reconnected so many, without the incredible help and support of our ‘Marmalade’ volunteers – this award is for us all.”
Hear hear!
Loneliness Awareness Week 2018 runs from 18-22 June.