Catholics receive New Years Honours

Sister Lynda Dearlove RSM

A number of Catholics were named in this year's Honours List.

Sister Lynda Dearlove RSM, was awarded the MBE for her work with vulnerable and disadvantaged women. In 2007 she set up women@thewell in Kings Cross - a centre for women trafficked or caught up in homelessness, prostitution, drugs, alcohol and violence.

Working in partnership with the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy and the National Board of Catholic Woman, the charity networks with many charities and Religious Congregations. It offers the services of a doctor, solicitor, social workers, counsellors, therapists and a range of activities in art, music, cookery and prayer space to enable women to get their lives back on track.

Sr Lynda said: "For many it feels like there is no escape, but there are ways out and we can show them that. I feel I have accepted the MBE in the name of a lot of people."

For more information see: www.ourladyofmercy.org.uk/

Other Catholics named in the Honours list are: Elizabeth Dupres, 83, who was awarded the MBE for her 45 years work as a dinner lady and classroom assistant at St Cuthbert's Primary School in Egham, Surrey.

Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of leading children’s charity Action for Children, has been awarded a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to young people in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

The honour recognises Clare’s career working with excluded groups and communities including the most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and their families at Action for Children. The charity works with disabled children, on youth issues, with children in care and supporting families throughout the UK.

Pamela Chesters, Action for Children Chair of Trustees said: “Clare leads Action for Children with real passion and commitment and is a strong champion for children and young people. Our work on issues such as child neglect means Action for Children sees first hand children facing some the of most challenging circumstances. Clare and her team work tirelessly to offer support, understanding and solutions that last. She thoroughly deserves the recognition that this honour represents.”

Clare Tickell commented: “It has been such a privilege to work with children and young people throughout my career. Our work is vital in supporting and representing so many communities, and I am so proud to get this award. I hope it will continue to reflect on the work of everyone involved in Action for Children.”

Clare lives in West London with her husband and has two sons.

Rev Jim Richards, former director of the Catholic Children's Society received the MBE for his services to families and children.

He receives the award for services to Children and Families. Rev.Jim Richards said: 'It is a great privilege to have been honoured in this way. I have been fortunate in my 42 years in working for children and families to have been inspired by so many excellent people. If I have been just a fraction as able as them in my endeavours than I know I have been on the right track.'

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: 'As President of the Catholic Children's Society (Westminster), I welcome this public recognition of Jim Richards with the award ofgan MBE. It is most fitting that Jim, and through him our diocesan Catholic Children's Society, be recognised in this way for improving the lives of poor and disadvantaged children.'

Reverend Richards retired from the Catholic Children's Society at the end of 2009 and continues to serve the Diocese of Westminster as a Permament Deacon at Heston parish.

Salesian Fr George Robson was awarded the MBE for services to the people of Merseyside. Fr George chairs the North Huyton New Deal for Communities body which works with local groups on issues including high rates of teenage pregnancies and violent crime in the area.