Cumbrian Homelessness Champion Receives National Honour
A long standing South Cumbrian volunteer has been presented with a British Empire Medal in recognition of her dedicated service to people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the local community.
The ceremony took place at the charity's Stephenson Centre on Ann Street, where the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, presented Bale with her medal. Deputy Lieutenant Sam Rayner also attended the ceremony and read the official citation before the presentation.
Bale was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2026 New Year Honours in recognition of her hands on service to the local community. She has been involved with Manna House for almost two decades and has played a major role in helping the organisation raise funds and develop its support for vulnerable people.
In 2007, Bale established the organisation now known as Friends of Manna House, bringing together volunteers and supporters to raise money for the charity. Events including the Big Swim, garden parties, concerts and community gatherings have helped generate vital income for Manna House and its work.
Manna House provides advice, advocacy, meals and practical assistance to people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, lonely or experiencing hardship across the local area. The organisation has become an important source of support for people facing difficult circumstances and needing help with housing, benefits and everyday needs.
The scale of the charity's work is reflected in its recent figures. During the past year, Manna House served more than 7,000 free lunches, conducted more than 700 housing and benefits appointments and provided more than 1,000 individual support sessions for people requiring assistance.
The presentation was attended by Bale's family, friends, colleagues and representatives from the local community. The ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise both her individual contribution and the wider work carried out by the charity and its volunteers.
Andrea Aldridge, chief officer of Manna House, praised Bale's commitment and described her as an important force behind many of the organisation's projects. She said Bale had helped bring people together and develop initiatives that have made a meaningful difference to people's lives.
Bale said she initially thought the notification about receiving the British Empire Medal was a scam and had to check whether the award was genuine. She later learned that her nomination had been successful and described the honour as an opportunity to highlight the important work being carried out by Manna House.
Her involvement with the organisation began when Manna House was still in its early stages. What initially started with helping with practical tasks eventually developed into the creation of Friends of Manna House, which was established to provide greater financial stability and support for the charity.
The recognition comes after many years of volunteering and fundraising, with Bale continuing to support the organisation and its work in the local community. Her award also highlights the contribution made by volunteers who support people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship.
The charity said the honour was a fitting recognition of Bale's leadership, commitment and ability to bring people together around the needs of Manna House and its clients. The presentation also gave supporters an opportunity to celebrate the impact of her work over many years.
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