Cirencester Signpost Honoured in Parliament for King’s Award-Winning Voluntary Service
Roz Savage MP welcomed Cirencester Signpost’s founders, Juliette and Graham Harris, and volunteer Ruth Sichel to Parliament this week to recognise their organisation’s outstanding community work. She presented them with a copy of the Early Day Motion (EDM) celebrating their prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The King’s Award, announced on 14th November 2024, is the highest honour given to voluntary groups in the UK. Cirencester Signpost received it in recognition for their tireless efforts to support people facing poverty and homelessness in the South Cotswolds. The organisation provides practical, mental, and emotional support, ensuring no one in the community is left without help.
Roz praised the group’s impact, saying:
"Cirencester Signpost embodies the spirit of community and compassion, coming alongside people at their most vulnerable and offering real, lasting support. I’m so grateful to them for their invaluable work in tackling hidden homelessness and providing a pathway to independence and dignity. It’s summed up in their motto that they offer a hand up, not a handout. I was delighted to welcome Juliette, Graham, and Ruth to Parliament and formally thank them for their achievements."
Cirencester Signpost operates with a simple but powerful ethos: embracing hope, creating community. Its volunteers work without pay, driven by the belief that offering certainty in uncertain times can transform lives. From emergency accommodation to long-term support, they stand beside those in need, providing dignity, respect, and unwavering commitment.
Graham expressed his gratitude for Roz’s recognition of the resolve and efforts of all the charity’s volunteers to uplift the lives of the homeless and vulnerable, he shared:
“An important aspect of our role is to be a voice for those who may otherwise go unheard. Juliette, Ruth and I were hugely encouraged in our conversation with Roz to explore how we can collaborate to make a long-lasting positive impact across our community and beyond.
“We have certainly taken away ideas of partnering together and what this may look like in the future and are very excited about joining forces.”
Roz’s EDM also calls on the Government to continue supporting voluntary organisations like Cirencester Signpost, recognising their vital role in addressing poverty, promoting well-being, and strengthening social cohesion across the country. It has been estimated that for every £1 invested in supporting homeless people to get back on track, there is a return on investment of £5 to society in terms of savings on emergency shelter, unemployment benefits, A&E, policing, and reduced demand for mental health services.
For more information about Cirencester Signpost and how to support its work, visit www.cirencester-signpost.org.uk.
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