Exaireo Trust founder given award for work with homeless
THE PRIME Minister has given a Loughborough volunteer an award for her work with the homeless.
Dettie Wallington co-founded the Exaireo Trust in Loughborough - a charity that provides residential accommodation for individuals who are homeless - and she is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award.
The award recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Concerned for the people she saw sleeping rough in and around Loughborough, Dettie began taking food to the homeless and talking with them about their situation.
Since founding the organisation in 2009, she has helped hundreds of people to find accommodation and employment, with 30 per cent of residents finding work and 28 per cent returning to education or training.
Her ambition is to launch a structured rehabilitation programme that also provides tailored support to each of the housed residents.
Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the Points of Light award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
Dettie is the 832nd winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA, where over 6,000 awards have been given.
In a personal letter to Dettie, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “By founding ‘The Exaireo Trust’ you are helping hundreds of homeless people to find accommodation as well as counselling, skills training and sustainable employment. This work is making a real difference to your local community and I wish you every success in your future plans to launch a structured rehabilitation pro- gramme for residents.”
Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan added: “I am thrilled that Dettie has been given the award. Dettie has been instrumental in the founding and developing of the Exaireo Trust.
“Organisations such as Exaireo are integral to the wellbeing of the community in Loughborough and Dettie was the founding force. She thoroughly deserves this recognition for all her years of dedication to the people of Loughborough and to her creation of sustainable organisations that help support the fabric of our town.”
Dettie said: “I am very honoured to have been selected for this award and feel very humbled given how many people work tirelessly around the country to alleviate homelessness and poverty.
“Of course our project is never finished, we’re always looking at how we can help vulnerable people in our community. The recognition this award brings will help highlight Exaireo’s track record of providing support.”