Community hero Julie is off to the Palace to receive her 'People's Honour'

Julie Stansfield from Lees is to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of her extraordinary endeavours.

The British Citizen Award, in partnership with One Stop, is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional individuals 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.

Julie is one of only 29 individuals set to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on January 26, 2023, and will be honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to The Community. 

Julie will receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the post-nominals BCAc as a legacy of her achievements.

Recognising that many individuals are disempowered and face difficulties from societal views for those who need support due to age, being disabled or due to long term health issues, Julie was pivotal in setting up In Control Partnerships to amplify the issues.

In-Control works by representing people to find a win-win outcome, avoiding lengthy, costly legal battles or convoluted complaints, preferring to mediate a resolution and aid with tactics to enable people to get the support that they are entitled to.

In-Control hosts the 'Be Human' and 'Social Care Futures' movements which encourages statutory services to fully involve people who draw on support to be involved in decisions about their care.

Julie believes that the law, although good, is not always being delivered in practice.

Her mantra: "we stretch from 10 any street to 10 Downing Street to get the voices of people heard", epitomises this reach.

Julie has helped many hundreds of people achieve support - to which they're entitled - to live an ordinary life, which she believes should be everyone's practical reality.

She has helped many people and families who draw on support or are exhausted by the system to achieve what they need, to gain inclusion.

Jack Taylor, Head of Community Partnerships at One Stop, said: “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."

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter and BCA Patron, Nick Knowles, and attended by another BCA Patron, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia.

The British Citizen Award (BCA) 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 has a day to remember befitting their achievements.

At the Palace of Westminster, medals will be presented by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, and Big Bus London, 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.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.

The medal presentation is held twice annually, in January and July.

To nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours, please visit: www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk

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