A Wirral-based volunteer has received recognition from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutnant, Mr Mark Blundell, for her many years of ‘exemplary services’ to housing.
Muriel Wilkinson, a long serving tenant and Board Director of Magenta Living, was presented with her British Empire Medal (B.E.M) on Friday, 18th October at The Athenaeum in Liverpool.
Having been officially involved with Wirral-based Magenta Living since 2005, Muriel has taken on decades of voluntary experience in numerous communities – all whilst running her own business.
Muriel became a Company Member of Magenta Living in 2008, and was officially appointed to the Magenta Living Board in April 2013.
Today, Muriel is heavily involved in the Magenta Communities Committee, and is the Chair of the Wirral Residents Umbrella Association – an independent group of Magenta Living tenants and residents, set up in September 2010.
“I am so honoured and proud to have been awarded a British Empire Medal and to have it presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant…
Muriel Wilkinson, recipient of the British Empire Medal 2019 for services to housing
It has been an absolutely wonderful day and I’m so glad I got to share it with my family and chair of Magenta Living’s Board, David Clark.”
Set up in September 2010, the Wirral Residents Umbrella Association operates with a single mission: to represent the areas where residents and tenants live.
Since her appointment, Muriel has consistently advocated for tenants rights, promoting social mobility within areas of the borough which, at times, have struggled to have their opinions heard.
Muriel has advocated for social housing in the past, where she told ex- Housing Minister Alok Sharma that ‘social housing…is a solution, not a problem.’
As chair of the group, Muriel feels she has a real opportunity to put her volunteer skills to the test.
Furthermore, she feels her position provide insight into neighbourhood activities, giving her community a voice to create housing that is more than just ‘bricks and mortar’.
Muriel said: “I am so honoured and proud to have been awarded a British Empire Medal and to have it presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant.
“It has been an absolutely wonderful day and I’m so glad I got to share it with my family and chair of Magenta Living’s Board, David Clark.”
Despite her exhaustive stretch of volunteer work, Muriel continues to be an active member in her neighbourhood, providing extensive support and advice when needed to fellow tenants and residents.
“It doesn’t matter in what role it is; if you have got it in your heart that you want to help your community and your fellow tenants, there’s nothing that can stop you doing that.”
Muriel Wilkinson, recipient of the British Empire Medal 2019 for services to housing
From arranging luncheon clubs to show-stopping charity events, Muriel remains determined to provide opportunities for people in the community to come together and create vibrant, connected communities.
In her role within Magenta Communities, she has the chance to bear witness to the delivery of activities which create social value – something Muriel is extremely passionate about.
In an interview conducted by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Muriel said:
“It doesn’t matter in what role it is; if you have got it in your heart that you want to help your community and your fellow tenants, there’s nothing that can stop you doing that.
“Volunteering and helping people is what I love doing – and I’ll keep going until I have to retire!”
Brian Simpson, Magenta Living Chief Executive said:
“I’m so pleased that Muriel has been recognised for her services to housing in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list. This is such a testament to Muriel’s service not only to Magenta Living but to her volunteering and community work too.
“Muriel is a fundamental part of our Board structure and continues to support our work within the neighbourhoods that we serve in.”
If you would like to learn more about the work Wirral Residents Umbrella Association achieves within the community, you can visit the Magenta website here.