The people in Norfolk being rewarded with a Queen's Birthday Honour
Those who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to community and society
Last updated 12th Jun 2021
People who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and society are being recognised by the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The latest list has around 1,129 people being acknowledged, with another 360 in other categories such as the diplomatic service and overseas list.
Amid the enduring Covid-19 pandemic, it features a number of volunteers who have responded to the increase support needed.
Kay Dawn Harvey from Norwich is one of which being honoured with an MBE
Kay set up a charity, Badersfield Eyes and Skies Compassionate Support group, to deliver support to asylum seekers and those who had found themselves without a home amid the pandemic.
A large number of people in emergency, without homes, were suddenly and without consultation housed at an ex-RAF Officers Mess at the former RAF Coltishall base, North of Norwich- known as Jaguar House..
This was a governmental emergency response to Covid. It included young people, women and children. At the same time, the Home Office via Serco placed refugees here which included young adults, and couples, some of whom were expecting babies.
Kay told us:
“We met some people at the fence, and said hello, how are you? Are you being well looked after? Is there anything you need?….. It snowballed from there”
Kay set set everything up from scratch, building on her previous experience with charity work with underprivileged families in Badersfield. She contacted Mosques, the Salvation Army and other Church groups to provide the basics and essentials, like clothing, footwear and toiletries.
With the help of volunteers, Badersfield Eyes and Skies Compassionate Support group is also providing support with sports equipment, games and gardening, ensuring that their well-being are being taken care of too.
Around 90 asylum seekers arrived in Badersfield at the start of lockdown with little or no personal belongings. Kay told us about some of there experiences before arriving in the UK
“People have been tortured, captured, locked up. Either for their religious beliefs, for their sexuality or because somebody suspects something. They lived in a regime where you can’t open your mouth or have an opinion about anything.”
Kay says she still stays in contact with many of those she has helped.
“It is a bit like a family.”
Michael Taylor and Helen Taylor, from King’s Lynn will also both be honoured with an MBE
The couple are both founders of The Bridge For Heroes, which provide services and support to Ex-Service Personnel and their Families.
Founded 10 years a go, they have supported serving military personnel from all three forces, veterans and their families by providing valuable mental health support, temporary housing respite and preventing social isolation.
The charity provides holistic support to all who seek help to resolve their problems and when necessary, signposting them to the services that they require. The centre is supported by around 30 volunteers who provide life-saving support. Mike told us:
“I would sit there with somebody who didn’t want to be here anymore. They think the end has happened - they’ve lost family, job, self esteem, finance…. 8 hours later, they can be smiling and having a tea. Those moments are the kind that will stay on my mind for the rest of my life”
The charity shed a light on the mental strain on the pandemic.
“Both military and civilian people are struggling. It’s not easy to work out what’s happening. A lot of people are not processing it very well.”
The charity also use various innovations, including artificial intelligence which they used to help them adapt to operating over the pandemic.
There’s also around 30 different activities people can get involved with, which Mike hopes will help them rebuild their lives.
Michael (Mike) is an ex-soldier himself, who also deals with PTSD. was able to get support from the NHS and says he received weekly counselling.
“It was a circle, the NHS kept me going and then I helped others going. It makes you realise you can make a difference and are changing people’s journeys. Where they can rebuild.”
Other people receiving honours from the area include:
Darren Taylor MBE from Norwich:
Chief Officer, Norfolk Special Constabulary. For services to Policing and the community in Norfolk
Peter Waters MBE from Tharston:
Executive Director, Visit East of England. For services to the Tourism Industry during Covid-19
Stephen Earl MBE from Norwich:
Founder and Managing Director, Panel Graphic. For services to the NHS and Front-Line Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic