'Hensioner' receives special recognition from Prime Minister

Retired taxi driver, Alan Richards from Gateshead has been recognised by Prime Minister, David Cameron, for his contribution to the North East Community for his work with Gateshead initiative, HenPower.

Alan is one of the latest winners to receive a Points of Light award and one of few in the area to receive the accolade for making a noticeable difference to the lives of those around him.

The Points of Light award programme was developed in the USA by then President George H.W.Bush and now has the support of President Barack Obama.

Mr Cameron said: “Alan and his fellow ‘hensioners’ have developed a unique way to support care home residents. The quirky HenPower project has a serious impact, reducing the depression and loneliness that residents can sometimes feel. I’m pleased to recognise Alan’s innovative volunteering with the 245th UK Point of Light award.”

The project came to live during 2012 and Alan is part of a team of older volunteers to help spread the word on HenPower which is run by charity Equal Arts, to engaging and creative opportunities for older people.

Alan and the other hensioners play an important role in hatching, caring for chickens and taking them to visit schools, care homes and children across the UK.

He said: “I am just so surprised to get this award. Never did I think I would do anything that deserves an award from the Prime Minister. In the HenPower project we are a team and there are various other volunteers and I accept this on behalf of us all.

“Three years ago when I first heard a bit HenPower I thought it was a ridiculous idea. I never imagined it would come to this and I would get so involved and enjoy it so much. I have been to places I’ve always wanted to visit and met so many new people.

“Some people call it volunteering; I see it as just helping out. For anyone thinking of volunteering I’d definitely say get out there and do something different, give it go.”

Alan has become a leading figure for the programme which helps to reduce isolation and loneliness in old people by providing hens for them to care for, as well as art and activities, including crafts, creative writing, photography and music and movement workshops.

HenPower project leader, Jos Forrester-Melville, said: “Alan is the best advocate for getting involved and his knowledge and enthusiasm helped secure National Lottery funding of £1m to roll HenPower out nationally.

“Alan’s inspiring words and attitude have encouraged many people to become involved with HenPower and we are immensely proud of him and all the hensioners.”

HenPower has 11 projects in operation across the North East of England and more than 300 older people involved in hen-keeping schemes and creative workshops to improve their well-being and reduce loneliness.

For more information, visit: https://equalarts.org.uk/our-work/henpower/