(Sammy with Peaches Golding OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol)
Sadly, many older people feel alone and disconnected. A bit of companionship can make all the difference to address loneliness and isolation. Sammy, who works in our Facilities team stepped up to befriend an older person with the Marmalade Trust. Her volunteering has now been recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
How did Sammy start volunteering?
Sammy’s journey into volunteering began back in 2019, during a difficult time in her life. “In November 2019 I was struggling with my mental health,” Sammy shared. “I’ve got friends but I lived alone and I was feeling quite isolated. I saw an advert for the Marmalade Trust and their Christmas companions scheme and decided to apply.”
That decision led to a life-changing friendship with Irene, a woman in her 80s who was also living alone and feeling disconnected. The two were matched through Marmalade Trust’s companion scheme, and what started as a phone call soon turned into a close and lasting bond.
Meeting for a catch-up
Sammy says: “Every Wednesday at 4pm I call Irene for a weekly catch-up. We’ve met up for coffee, gone shopping, and she’s even joined me and my friends for dinner. Irene loves hearing about me going out with the girls and my trips to the pub — it’s what she loved to do herself.”
Their connection goes far beyond small talk. They support each other emotionally, swap gardening tips, and celebrate the everyday joys of companionship. “I look after her and she looks after me,” Sammy adds. “My life is better for having Irene in it - and she’s good fun to take to the pub!”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
This prestigious award, often described as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups, recognises outstanding work by local charities, community groups, and volunteers across the UK. And we couldn’t be prouder that Sammy is part of the team receiving this national honour.
When Marmalade Trust was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2023, it marked an important moment - not just for the organisation, but for volunteers like Sammy, who have given their time, energy, and heart to others.
The official celebration was held on April 9th, 2025, where the award was formally presented by Peaches Golding, Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, and Independent Chair of the Bristol Water Customer Challenge Panel in a heartwarming afternoon tea party attended by volunteers, staff, and community members.
Marmalade Trust’s founder and CEO, Amy Perrin, put it best when she said: “This award reflects the incredible passion and hard work of our team, and our dedicated supporters and volunteers. It also reaffirms our belief that, together, we can create a society that acknowledges loneliness and supports each other to find new social connections.”
Supporting communities through volunteering
At Bristol Water, we are proud to celebrate the incredible people who make up our team - individuals who not only bring their best selves to work, but also extend their kindness and energy into the communities we serve.
Every Bristol Water employee has the opportunity to use a few work days a year for volunteering. These volunteering days help to make real change for individuals and communities in and around Bristol.
We’re incredibly proud to have Sammy as part of our team. Her story is a reminder of the power of human connection, the impact of small acts of kindness, and the importance of stepping up when someone needs a friend.
