A St Albans resident has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2025, in recognition of her services to charity and mental health.
Gill Arukpe established the Social Interest Group (SIG) in September 2014 and now acts as the executive trustee and group chief executive.
SIG is a leading UK charity which provides bespoke person-centred health and social care services through subsidiaries – SIG Penrose, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence, SIG Safe Ground, and SIG Housing Trust.
Its mission is to empower people by building partnerships and through finding creative solutions to bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.
Gill began on her socially conscious path in the early 1980s when she opened and ran two women’s refuges. She has since worked for Shelter and Turning Point.
This year, SIG celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the last decade, it has supported more than 96,000 people and boasts 44 services across England.
Gill said: “Having worked in the sector for over 30 years, primarily with large national charities, before becoming CEO of Penrose in 2009, I saw the need for a more holistic approach to supporting vulnerable individuals.
“It was clear to me then—and it remains true today—that to truly help those with complex needs, we must address all their social and healthcare challenges together in a way that integrates services seamlessly.”
Congrats to Gill, who I worked with back in the 80s at St Albans Women’s Aid. Gill was our expert on housing. I’m not surprised that she has done so much good since. Well done Gill and,well-deserved!