A trio of Islanders have been recognised in this year’s King’s New Year’s Honours List.
The honours system demonstrates the breadth of service given by people from all different backgrounds across the UK. In total, 1,157 people have received an award in this year’s list.
Here on the Isle of Wight, 3 people have been confirmed as receiving an honour.
Charlotte Hodges, the principal psychologist at HMP Isle of Wight, has been awarded an OBE for services to rehabilitation in a prison setting.
Elizabeth Bilk, a fundraiser for the Royal British Legion, has been recognised for her services to the community on the Isle of Wight with a British Empire Medal (BEM). She has been raising money for the RBL for over 70 years.
Gail Bedding, from Bembridge, has also been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her tireless advocacy for disabled children and their families.
A former CEO of the Hampshire Parent Carer Network, Gail has worked with organisations such as Challengers, FitzRoy and the Hampshire Carer Network to influence policy, support families and challenge inadequate provision.
Despite giving up a promising career to provide 24-hour care for her severely disabled, wheelchair-bound son, she has remained a vocal and effective campaigner, even helping to reverse funding cuts by Hampshire County Council.
Speaking to Island Echo, Gail has said:
“When I my son was born profoundly disabled, I knew that I had to learn as much as I could in this new world that confronted us so that he, and us, could lead our best possible lives.
“Becoming a Trustee for Challengers, providing fully inclusive play for disabled children and support for their families, I started my volunteering journey.
I never wanted other families to go through this broken system as we did, so I’ve worked with families, local authorities and health over the past 20 years to find the best outcomes for our children.
“It has been a privilege to help others and meet some amazing people over the years”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said:
“This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.
“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”
Charlotte hodges lmfao rehabilitation of prisoners. Yeah right. Love to know the statistics
Very true it’s just her job and thr system doesnt work
As you can’t rehabilitate a sex offender so what is this award for???
Didn’t the sex offender treatment programme fail? So how has one won such an honour when you cannot rehabilitate a sex offender – fact. And even if so the stats would be very minimal, so how has she got an obe for doing basically her job? There are officers and osgs that do more than what she does? Shouldn’t these awards go to people that go above and beyond like surgeons etc. The whole idea of such is an absolute joke.