Two Walsall community champions to be honoured with British Empire Medals
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Two Walsall women who have dedicated decades to supporting their communities and improving the lives of others will be recognised with British Empire Medal (BEM) at a special Investiture ceremony in Birmingham.
Janet Anne Rose Davies and Caron Elaine Thompson are among this year’s recipients and will receive their awards from the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, at the Banqueting Suite at Birmingham Council House on Tuesday 22 September.
The BEM is a royal recognition awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their communities, often through many years of voluntary service and support for others.
Janet Davies is being recognised for her services to the community in Walsall, following more than 25 years of dedicated work with Brownhills Community Association.
As well as serving as Chair of Walsall Community Network, Janet has worked as an Adult Education Officer and manages four community centres, helping to develop partnerships and community initiatives that support the wellbeing of people across Walsall.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janet helped raise £50,000 to provide vital support to isolated and vulnerable people. She also personally contacted hundreds of people to offer reassurance and make sure they knew that support was available.
Caron Thompson is receiving her BEM for services to health and wellbeing, following more than two decades of work supporting people affected by mental health challenges.
Caron began working in mental health support in 2004 and has since developed a range of projects aimed at improving awareness, reducing stigma and providing practical support to communities.
In 2009, she established Common Unity, a social enterprise bringing people together and promoting greater understanding of mental health. Her work has included developing targeted mental health resources for South African and Caribbean men and women, as well as launching ManMade in 2014 – a support programme originally created for unemployed men which has since been adapted for prisons, carers and mental health providers.
Caron has also delivered suicide prevention training to more than 5,000 people since 2014 and created Waiting Room, an online directory providing information about mental health and wellbeing support.
Both recipients have dedicated many years to helping others and making a positive difference to people in Walsall and beyond.
“ The dedication and sacrifice of the people receiving recognition this year is truly wonderful. Many have been driven from personal experience and have compassion for others, and this has been channelled to provide exceptional support for those in need or to make our region a better place.
The Investiture will be a joyous celebration and an opportunity to say a huge, big thank you to them. “
“ I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Janet and Caron on receiving their British Empire Medals.
Their dedication to supporting people and strengthening our communities is an excellent example of the contribution that individuals can make through their time, compassion and commitment.
It is wonderful to see their achievements recognised in this way, and I hope this honour serves as a fitting tribute to the difference they have made to so many people across Walsall and beyond.
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Anyone who knows an individual who deserves recognition for their contribution to their community can nominate them for an honour. Further information and nomination forms are available on GOV.UK.
