On 2nd July the Prime Minister recognised Lyndsey for founding The Friendly Bench™, a kerbside community garden that is tackling loneliness in the area.
Lyndsey is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
Lyndsey said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to have been awarded the Points of Light award for setting up The Friendly Bench™. Loneliness can affect everyone and anyone at some point in their life and unfortunately for some sustained loneliness and social isolation can have a profoundly negative effect on their health and wellbeing. By creating The Friendly Bench™ and with the support of our fabulous volunteers, we have created a vibrant social hub in the heart of our village where everyone feels valued, accepted and a part of their wider community. Our plans now are to extend a The Friendly Bench™ network across the UK and enable other communities to have a friendly, supportive hub on their own doorstep too.”
Lyndsey is the 1215th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.
Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.
Read more about Lyndsey's award on the Points of Light Award website