Anika Walia, from Ealing, Middlesex has been recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of her extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its eighth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.

The January 2022 Presentation had been postponed due to Government Guidelines, but Anika received her honour on 24th March 2022 with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving and will receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour. Anika is also invited to use the post-nominals BCAv as a legacy of her achievements. Anika was presented with her Medal of Honour by BCA Patron and Founder of Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins.

Anika is a Dentist, founder of UK registered Charity ‘Anika Food Charity’, a mental health first aider, a member of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a UN Women UK Delegate, a SmileTrain ambassador and recently a recipient of the Princess Diana Award.

Anika has always been passionate to raise more awareness on social issues and in 2018 founded her own charity. Through Anika Food Charity she campaigns for issues such as food wastage, food poverty, mental health, homelessness, domestic violence, period poverty and food insecurity. Her charity acts as a food bank and baby bank for homeless individuals and families, asylum seekers, refugees and those seeking shelter from domestic violence. Anika distributes food, hot meals, toiletries, sanitary products, dental kits, baby items, essentials that they need (such as furniture, clothing etc) quilts, sheets and blankets. During the half-term holidays her charity also supplies packed lunches to children.

During the first lockdown Anika delivered over 800 hot meals to homeless shelters and delivered food to those in need that had tested positive for Covid-19, leaving the meals outside and supplying them with cleaning supplies and hygiene kits. On average Anika’s Food Charity continue to support between 180-200 people per week and empowers other women.

“This year’s medallists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Jonny McQuarrie, from BCA partner One Stop.

The Medal presentation was hosted by TV presenter Tim Vincent, and attended by BCA Patron Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and Baroness Caroline Cox. The British Citizen Award (BCA) was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked. Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’, many recipients have subsequently been selected to receive a Queen’s Honour after their endeavours have been recognised with a BCA.

Each medallist had a day to remember befitting their achievements. At the Palace of Westminster medals were presented by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR and Experian, who all support this unique programme. Following this, medalists are treated to an Open Top Lap of Honour tour before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavour and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.