Prime Minister gives Points of Light Award

Prime Minister awards Speakers Trust founder the Points of Light award

The Prime Minister has today, 13 September, recognised Speakers Trust founder Sue Warner, from London, for training thousands of people in public speaking.

After years of fearing her opinion wasn’t valid and avoiding speaking in public, Sue was inspired to set up the ‘Speak Up! Speak Out!’ initiative following a speaking class that helped her realise the importance of having the confidence to share your ideas.  She also recognised that good communication skills were critical to help young people gain employment, achieve in education and make a positive contribution to their community.

Sue is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

In a personal letter to Sue, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your work is giving young people the skills to express themselves with confidence. The impact of the training you provide with Speakers Trust is transforming lives.”

Sue said: “I am enormously honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this extremely prestigious award in recognition of the work of Speakers Trust. The results are thanks to many, many people.  Yes I had the idea, and have stuck with it over the years to make it a reality, but many others have been involved in order to achieve this success. This award and recognition will inspire us all to keep doing what we do to give young people a voice throughout the UK.”

Sue is the 999th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards. Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.