An award-winning Barnardo’s volunteer enjoyed a trip to Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Garden Party in recognition of her exceptional support for vulnerable families.
Last year Sophie Stanley won the charity’s national Marsh Trust Award for Outstanding Achievement. She was nominated for her voluntary work within the visitor centre at HMP Erlestoke near Westbury, where she supports families with a parent in prison. Barnardo’s put her name forward to be a guest at the Queen’s garden party which was held at the palace on Tuesday 29th May. Sophie attended the event with her husband Oliver. They enjoyed tea, cakes and sandwiches with hundreds of other specially-invited guests.
Sophie said, “The atmosphere was amazing as all the preparations for the Diamond Jubilee were taking place as well. The royal family made their entrance and I managed to have a quick chat to the Countess of Wessex about my work in Erlestoke prison. The tea was delicious and the gardens were looking fantastic – I am lucky to have experienced such a lovely afternoon.”
Barnardo’s South West has been working at HMP Erlestoke since 2007, and has managed the visitor centre since it opened in 2009. Aside from offices, a kitchen and a reception area, the building overlooks a play park including picnic benches, swings, slides, climbing frames and a willow tunnel. Staff and volunteers work with offenders who have children up to the age of 18 years old, as well as with their families, offering advice and support together with signposting to other services. Feedback has shown that offenders become more involved in parenting and family life, and children enjoy more play and learning opportunities.
