Neighbours in Poplar Receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Neighbours in Poplar volunteers have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, for offering care and support to vulnerable people in the community for 50 years. Representatives from Neighbours in Poplar attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Sister Christine, fcJ, one of the founders and the current Manager, says: Neighbours in Poplar is delighted to receive this award and are extremely grateful to the volunteers who have committed themselves to the Poplar Community over the years.

Neighbours in Poplar is celebrating 50 years of service this year to the people of Poplar, London, UK. Neighbours in Poplar came into being in October 1969, when some concerned people gathered together a large number of senior citizens in Pope John House, an FCJ community, for a Christmas Party. Because this was so successful and a need had obviously been met, volunteers began to meet regularly, visiting and providing necessary service for people living in the Poplar area of Tower Hamlets, London E14.

Their mission is to provide Multi-Faith Care in the community. Their mission statement reads: We provide practical support and care for vulnerable people who are living at home, regardless of their faith, age, race, gender, culture, or disability. We also provide disadvantaged children with breaks from their normal environment during the summer holidays.

Check this 2013 video showcasing some of their work with the elderly during many years.