An Abbots Langley resident and chief executive of a Berkhamsted-based charity has been awarded an MBE for her services to adult social care.
Keely Siddiqui Charlick, who is the chief executive of the Sunnyside Rural Trust (SRT), was named on the New Year Honours List which was released on Monday, December 30.
Keely has worked with young people and adults with learning disabilities throughout her career. Before joining Sunnyside, she held senior development and operational roles for London-based charities, and has since been instrumental in transforming SRT from a small day service into a thriving social enterprise.
SRT offers training and work experience for over 170 vulnerable people, helping people with learning disabilities to acquire skills in a number of rural activities. These include beekeeping, looking after chickens, growing a wide range of plants and produce, landscaping and garden maintenance.
According to SRT’s website, Keely also undertakes work for the School of Social Entrepreneurs and uses SRT as an example to inspire other charities to move into trading and create employment opportunities for vulnerable young people and adults.
In a post on Instagram, Keely said: “So many people to say thank you to. I’m so proud to accept the MBE for supporting people with learning disabilities to find their brilliance and independence and leading Sunnyside Rural Trust is the best job ever.
“Farida Siddiqui the best partner and soulmate, my parents John Charlick and Irene Charlick, my brother Neil Charlick, and the whole Charlick, Hillier, Sansom, Philippou and Siddiqui family. What a family we have and I receive this on behalf of us all and those who are already stars. I come from the most generous, hardworking and huge hearted family and we all deserve this. All my friends and colleagues who have supported me and Sunnyside, a heartfelt thank you.
“Fantastic way to end 2024 and step into 2025.”
Photo credit: Sunnyside Rural Trust on Facebook
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