11/11/2024
News
HRH The Princess Royal praises Pact volunteers at 125th anniversary awards
Pact’s annual celebration of volunteering and citizenship took place on 28th October at St John’s Church, Waterloo, in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The event marked 125 years of supporting people affected by imprisonment and recognised the contribution of volunteers, students on placement, faith communities, and ‘peer’ volunteers in prison, from across England and Wales.
Founded by volunteers as the Catholic Prisoners’ Aid Society in 1898, Pact is now a leading charity in the criminal justice system, supporting people of all faiths and none. True to the organisation’s roots, volunteers continue to play a crucial role in providing services to prisoners, people with convictions and their children and families.
Monday’s event saw 14 awards presented, including the prestigious Volunteer of the Year, awarded this year to Prisoners’ Families Helpline and National Befriending Volunteer Amy Atherton. HRH The Princess Royal presented the award, with support from longstanding trustee and Pact supporter Sarah Mann.
Among the many dignitaries and special guests in attendance were Deputy Lieutenant of London Lynn Cooper, Millicent Grant KC, High Sheriff of Greater London, The Rt Rev The Lord Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek, and The Rt Rev Bishop Richard Moth.
Pact CEO Andy Keen-Downs shared: “We are extremely honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to present the Volunteer of the Year award. Choosing a winner from so many inspiring people is never an easy task, but Amy is certainly deserving of the accolade.
Congratulations to all our volunteers and their families, and a huge thank you to all who attended our celebration. Over the past year, our volunteers across England and Wales have given nearly 73,000 hours to support people and families affected by imprisonment. Each and every one deserves our appreciation and gratitude. Pact now has 500 active volunteers and over 200 more currently in training.
“We are also grateful to our partners CCLA Investment Management, Marsh Charitable Trust, Pinsent Masons, and Voluntary Solidarity Fund, for making the event possible and enabling us to showcase the outstanding work ongoing to build stronger families and safer communities.
Pact’s 2024 Volunteering and Citizenship Award Winners are:
- The Golden Thread Award – Jackie Roberts, Family Services HMP Ford
- The Peer Power Award – Ang B and Michael B
- The Health and Wellbeing Award - Lydia Blankson, Zaynab Malik, Sharon Benson – Family Services HMP Downview
- The Hidden Sentence Award - John Spencer-Silver, London Courts Service
- The Future Hope Award, partnered with Pinsent Masons - Charlotte Riley, HMP Ranby Family Services
- The Marsh Charitable Trust Team of the Year - HMP Belmarsh Children’s Play Team: Jan Gosling, Lisa Taylor, Sorrel Birch, and Louise Glover
- The Marsh Charitable Trust Hidden Hero Award – Zoe Stevens, HMP Elmley
- Student Placement of the Year – Hana Bosworth, Family Services HMP Gartree
- Side by Side Award – Elinor Makin, Prison Visitor Volunteer, HMP Isis
- The Marsh Charitable Trust Listening Angel Award – Amy Atherton, Prisoners’ Families Helpline & National Befriending Service
- The Truth to Power Award – Dawn Knight, Listen to Families Team Member
- The Elizabeth Fry Award – Alice De Lima, Parish Representative
- The St Dismas Award – The Catholic Women’s League
- Volunteer of the Year – Amy Atherton
Interested in volunteering? Visit our volunteer pages for more information.
