Prime Minister recognises Oldham woman for tackling loneliness and social isolation

Alex Hoskyn, from Oldham who launched 'Chatty Cafes'

The Prime Minister has recognised Alex Hoskyn, from Oldham, for her exceptional service to tackling loneliness and social isolation.

Alex launched the 'Chatty Cafes' scheme running in over 1,300 premises across the UK to tackle loneliness by encouraging cafes to dedicate space for strangers to chat and connect.

Moved to action by her own sense of loneliness as a young mother in busy cafes, Alex has partnered with major corporations to roll out the initiative, including Costa Coffee which have signed up over 400 branches nationwide.

Alex 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.

In a personal letter to Alex, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

"I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how your ‘Chatty Cafe Scheme’ is transforming the culture of talking to other people in cafes, combating loneliness and opening up people’s lives."

Alex said: “I am shocked and over the moon to be given this award. It means so much that The Chatty Café Scheme is being recognised by the Prime Minister and I feel really, really proud.”

Alex is the 1303rd 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.

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