Outstanding Contribution Award honours York Service Manager

The Salvation Army’s Charlie Malarkey, who runs the York Early Intervention and Prevention Team which supports rough sleepers, has been honoured with an Outstanding Contribution Award for ‘tirelessly championing the cause of homelessness’ and standing as a ‘beacon of hope’ for people across the city.

Charlie received the award at the prestigious York Press Community Pride Awards, which celebrates ‘special individuals and groups whose sterling work marks them as true champions of the place where we live’.

Charlie is the Service Manager at The Salvation Army’s outreach project, which for many years has supported people who are homeless by carrying out early morning street walks, offering a warm space, food, drinks, and signposting into housing, mental health and addictions support from its Lawrence Street drop-in. He runs boxing classes from York Masters Boxing Gym providing fitness and mental health support to people, many of whom are struggling with homelessness, mental health and addiction related issues.

At an awards ceremony held at York Racecourse on Thursday evening, he was recognised for ‘tirelessly championing the cause of people who are homeless in York through his unwavering commitment to The Salvation Army’ and for his work at the York Masters Boxing Club, where ‘he has fostered a supportive environment for individuals facing adversity, from addiction to homelessness’.

Presented with the award, he was told: “His vision for inclusivity and empowerment has not only enriched lives but has also inspired others to join in his mission, he stands as a beacon of hope for so many people in our city.”

Charlie said: “I’m really pleased to accept this award, it’s not just for me but for everyone who has worked, volunteered or donated to help keep our service running. Thank you to The Salvation Army for backing me. It’s a real team effort and I’ve worked with some great people so this is for them as well. When the chips are down there are some genuine people out there giving donations or their time to make sure that we can help others.”

In a video played at the ceremony, York MP Rachel Maskell described Charlie as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘compassionate’.

She said: “It’s an incredible skillset he has, the rapport he builds up with people from myself as an MP or with somebody who has had a rough deal in life, he’s just able to connect. He can get people off the streets into housing, help them at their lowest and lift them up each and every day. He has such belief in everybody as a human being able to reach their potential and he is there to drive them on their way...It’s an honour to work alongside him.”

Marnie, who regularly attends Charlie’s boxing classes spoke about the difference they make to people. She said: “For the clients coming to the boxing classes, they come from backgrounds where there’s a lot of negativity, but when you come somewhere that reinforces positivity all of the time, it changes everything in your head. You can see, even if they just come once a week, it changes a lot for them. You can see a difference in the way they stand, in their demeanour and their attitude.”

Tony Thornton, The Salvation Army’s Area Operations Manager for the North West and East of England, said: “Charlie is an inspiration to all he meets within the community. He dedicates his work and lifestyle for the benefit of others. His presence in the City of York  is valuable to the wellbeing of people he works with. His compassion and professionalism is a credit to him. This award is well deserved.”

The boxing classes, which are supported by Chocolate and Co, a local not for profit organisation and café that helps vulnerable people get into work, are held on Tuesdays between 10am to 12pm and Thursday 1pm to 2.15pm with women’s only classes held on Tuesday evenings at 5pm and Thursdays at 2.30pm.

As well as the boxing and exercise classes, The Salvation Army continues to run a service from Lawrence Street where people who are homeless can access a warm space, get food and drink, clothing and signposting to various services in the city.