Awards
Over the years, The Link Visiting Scheme has been fortunate to be nominated for a variety of awards locally, regionally and nationally for our work bringing friendship and connection to those experiencing loneliness in our community. These accolades shine a light on the importance of connection, companionship and community, and they help us share our message even more widely.
Look at some of our achievements so far!
Charity of the Year
We were thrilled to be named Charity of the Year at the Great British Business & Community Awards. Chosen from nearly 2,000 nominations, we were shortlisted in two categories and honoured to receive this national recognition. The judges praised our impact in transforming lives across Wokingham Borough.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
In 2021, we were delighted and honoured to have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Equivalent to an MBE, it is awarded for life. We also received special recognition for our response to the pandemic. We could not be prouder of our incredible volunteer family. Read more >
MJ Award for Innovation in Partnerships
It was a fantastic achievement to be nominated for a prestigious MJ Award for Innovation in Partnerships for the Keeping In Touch (KIT) project. This project was funded and designed by Wokingham Borough Council, working alongside Age UK Berkshire and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Movement for Good Award
We were chosen as one of just 30 charities to receive a £10,000 grant through Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards. This funding helped us to identify and support more older people in rural areas experiencing chronic loneliness. More than 1,000 charities applied, and we were honoured to be recognised for our impact, innovation and compassion.
Outstanding Award & National Certificate of Distinction
In 2024, Link to Nature was awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the Britain in Bloom In Your Neighbourhood Awards, along with a prestigious National Certificate of Distinction, which recognises projects that achieve consistently high standards over time.
Outstanding Awards 2025, 2023, 2022
Our Link to Nature project has achieved repeated success at Thames & Chilterns in Bloom, receiving an ‘Outstanding’ in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards in 2025, 2023, and 2022. These awards recognise the project’s positive impact on wellbeing and community connection. In 2022, Wokingham in Bloom also won Gold and was named overall Regional Winner.
Community Project of the Year 2025, 2024
We were delighted to receive the Community Project of the Year award at the 2025 Wokingham Community Awards for the growth and success of Link Thursdays. We also won the award in 2024, when Active Minds was recognised for its positive impact on confidence, wellbeing and connection across the borough.
Celebrating outstanding contribution
Borough Mayor’s Volunteer Awards
Our Chair of Trustees, John Mallaghan, and volunteer Andy Jones were honoured by Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather for their outstanding dedication. The awards recognise individuals who go above and beyond to make Wokingham Borough a better place to live. John and Andy were presented with a certificate and lapel badge in recognition of their long-term commitment and service.
Extraordinary Women of Wokingham
We were proud to see our CEO, Marjie Walker, recognised as one of Wokingham’s Extraordinary Women at the 2018 Heritage Open Day celebrations. Chosen by local residents, Marjie was featured on the Wall of Local Extraordinary Women for her contribution to the community and her dedication to supporting older people across the borough.
Special mentions
Alongside our formal awards, we’re honoured to have received meaningful recognition from local leaders and partners who value the impact of our work. In 2023/24, Cllr Caroline Smith, Mayor of Earley, chose The Link as her nominated charity, highlighting the lasting effects of loneliness and the vital role our volunteers play in bringing companionship to those who need it most.
In 2022, Alka Kharbanda, High Sheriff of Berkshire, celebrated our volunteers as part of her ‘unsung heroes’ theme, with special appreciation for our Link Online team supporting older people with digital skills. That same year, we were recognised by Cllr Caroline Smith, Mayor of Wokingham Borough, for our outstanding commitment to the community, a nomination supported by Lucy Zeal DL, who praised the dedication of our staff, volunteers and trustees. These moments of recognition mean a great deal to us and reflect the kindness, effort and compassion shown daily by our Link family.
Could you support our work?
Each year, we need to raise over £500,000 to help the growing number of older people who are referred to us. Every gift helps us make sure older people in our community feel seen, supported, and valued.