Specsavers sponsors 'People's Honours' for ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Specsavers Opticians is showing support for a new national awards scheme which honours ‘ordinary’ people doing extraordinary things which positively impact on their communities.

Specsavers has confirmed corporate sponsorship for the third British Citizen Awards (BCA) ceremony which will take place in January.

The BCAs recognise “exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact upon society.”

The accolades are awarded twice annually, in the same way as the Queen’s Honours but unlike the traditional honours, which often give recognition to well-known figures, the BCAs recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Successfully launched in January this year, almost 60 people have been honoured so far at two prestigious ceremonies hosted by Baroness Cox and Baroness Wilcox at the Palace of Westminster. Baroness Cox is pictured left at the July event with award-winning fundraiser, Jodie Vasquez, and Specsavers co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins, who is a BCA patron.

Nominations for the current round of awards are now closed, and the final independent assessment panel will shortly select more ‘everyday’ people doing extraordinary things.

Medalists will be announced next month, with the next awards ceremony being held again at the Palace of Westminster, London. All BCA recipients receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the good of the country’. Medalists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.

Dame Mary Perkins presented four awards at the July ceremony and said: “Specsavers firmly believes in giving back to those communities we serve, just as these celebrated people do. I cannot applaud enough the selflessness of all the individuals who have been nominated. Their tireless work makes a huge impact on society, one which we cannot and should not overlook. To play a part in their celebration, as a sponsor and patron, is a great honour.”

BCA co-founder, Mike Faulkner, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Specsavers to our group of sponsors.

“This programme, which many see as the People’s Honours, has been created to enable every individual across the country to nominate someone who they feel deserves to be recognised. We have nothing but respect for the honours system but believe that a more accessible recognition programme is long overdue.”