Lesley Allen, from London is one of 26 remarkable individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country. Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ – due to the fact that anyone with an OBE, CBE of KBE is ineligible to receive a BCA – this programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.

Lesley will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on 29th June 2023 and honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to the Community and will receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the post-nominals BCAc as a legacy of her achievements.

For the past 22 years, Lesley has coordinated the community-based charity, Stockwell Good Neighbours, which supports mainly elderly, African-Caribbean people to engage and take part in the arts, health and wellbeing activities, to reduce isolation and loneliness and creating a vibrant community.

Today the group has 77 members, aged between 70 and 105. Lesley goes above and beyond for each and every member, constantly seeking connections, obtaining funding and always looking for opportunities for them. Lesley is a retired general and mental health nurse, who has over 39 years’ experience of working with older people in the NHS and voluntary sector. She is also a dementia champion ensuring all activities delivered are dementia friendly.

During the pandemic, Lesley created an initiative as part of the charity Bring Me Sunshine, providing informative magazines delivered by volunteers, goody bags with donated items, live doorstep entertainment and online group socials and telephone befriending which she continues to this day. She also runs the Diamond Club, based in Catford for elderly people and often brings these groups together for social events holidays and activities, earning her deserved recognition from the Mayor of Lewisham as well as the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

“This year’s medalists 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 Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner One Stop.

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA Patrons, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society.

Each medalist is presented with their BCA at the Palace of Westminster by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR, and Uniserve who all support this unique programme. Medalists then board an Open Top Lap of Honour tour before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House to complete their recognition.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people from all cultural backgrounds from across the country for exceptional endeavor. The Medal presentation is held twice annually, to nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk.