Carer Services Honoured

The New Year Honours List for 2022 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK including those who support unpaid family Carers.

Julie Elizabeth Grainger
Among those receiving a royal honour is Julie Elizabeth Grainger from Stourbridge who has been awarded an MBE for charitable and voluntary services to those living with dementia and their families. 15 years ago, Julie helped to set up the Wolverhampton Alz Café providing activities, meals and day trips for those living with dementia and for their Carers. During the pandemic the club has not been able to meet in person, but Julie has been in weekly contact with her members by phone.

Years ago, Julie was a Carer for her father who had working aged dementia so is able to empathise with other families. She said, “I have always had a passion about working with people with dementia to try and make a difference.”

The award came as complete shock – I was overwhelmed and very, very emotional. It’s sunk in a little bit more and I still can’t quite believe that somebody has taken the trouble to nominate me. “This is a tribute really to the team of volunteers who work with us on the cafe because they all do it for nothing – and we do it because we are really passionate about it and want to make a difference. It’s a real tribute to all the volunteers at the cafe.”

Anna March Trye
77-year-old Anna March Trye who hasbeen awarded an MBE for services to young people in Warwickshire. Anna, is a patron of Warwickshire Young Carers, which raises awareness of the work unpaid carers do and encourages wider recognition of their contribution to helping people. As a High Sheriff, she has helped to organise a series of events to raise awareness of the needs of Young Carers and promote identification within local schools.

Claire McKen
Claire McKen is an assistant manager of a charity in Wolverhampton called Let Us Play which supports families with children who have special needs or disabilities and their siblings. Clarie has been recognised with The British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to families with Special Educational Needs during Covid-19.

It’s wonderful to see that those who support family Carers are receiving the recognition they deserve as well as Carers themselves, like Atif Ali.

Atif Ali BEM
Carer, Atif Ali from Small Heath, received the British Empire Medal in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the community in Birmingham during Covid-19.

During the Covid pandemic, Artif has supported young carers, adults with learning disabilities and families with babies. This support was in addition to his caring responsibilities to his two brothers Wacas, 30, and Sakib, 19. From the age of 13, he has helped to care for his brothers who both have cerebral palsy, profound and multiple learning disabilities and use wheelchairs.

“I am the child of someone who had to leave work in 2002 in order to take on full caring responsibilities, who has had to claim benefits and allowances, I am myself a carer and working full time, as well as being from a BAME background.”

“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be recognised for my work by receiving the BEM for Services to the community in Birmingham during Covid-19. I’m motivated by a sense of duty and a desire to serve others. For it is in giving that we receive.”

How to make a nomination
If there is someone who you feel needs to receive honorary recognition, visit www.gov.uk.honours for a nomination form, which can be emailed or posted.

If you need help assessing whether your recommendation is strong enough or to complete the form, contact Dale Guest, the West Midlands Honours Coordinator via dale@wmlieutenancy.org