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Southside Elderly Club in Edinburgh

874. Malik Masood

Malik Masood, from Edinburgh, has spent over a decade fighting to combat social isolation within the Asian community in Edinburgh.

After speaking to friends and older people in his community, Malik realised many people felt isolated, lonely, and bored at home. It was this that inspired him to set up ‘Southside Elderly Club in Edinburgh’ ten years ago. The club aims to remove isolation and loneliness pervasive amongst the older generation, whilst providing a high-quality service that promotes a better quality life for everyone, particularly the vulnerable and elderly experiencing bereavement or mobility issues.

In a personal letter to Malik, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Your decade of service to combatting isolation and loneliness in the Asian Community and your promotion of a better quality of life for everyone is a truly unique achievement. Your work is having a remarkable effect, transforming the lives of over 5,000 people in Edinburgh.”

Malik said:

“I am honoured and privileged to be recognised for my voluntary contribution for the last 15 years. I set up the Southside Elderly Club to prevent isolation and encourage social integration amongst the elderly. The response and appreciated I received from the local community has been very gratifying. Moreover, to be receiving such an honoury award from the Prime Minister for my work is extremely humbling. This reaffirms that I have made a positive difference and thus encourages me to work harder.”

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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