Community Hero announced ahead of Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On

16th November 2023

The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) is delighted to announce Professor Jacqui Stedmon as the 2023 Community Hero.

This special recognition award recognises an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the Plymouth community. Jacqui is the co-founder of local children’s bereavement charity Jeremiah’s Journey.

Jacqui will now have the honour of switching on the Barbican Christmas Lights this Saturday (18 November) alongside Dame Darcey Bussell DBE.

Jon Walton, CEO, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: "We are incredibly proud to honour Jacqui as our 2023 Community Hero. Jacqui’s unwavering commitment to supporting children, young adults and families in Plymouth at the most difficult times in their lives is an inspiration to us all.”

Jacqui will be officially recognised at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on on Saturday. This festive event will not only illuminate the Barbican but also shine a light on the many ways Jacqui has supported the Plymouth community.

An elated Jacqui said: It is a true honour to be chosen for this Community Hero Award for my work with Jeremiah’s Journey. I am both thrilled and humbled in equal measures by such public recognition.

"I co-founded Jeremiah’s Journey nearly 30 years ago, a charity to support children, young people and their families bereaved of a loved one here in Plymouth. I am as committed today to being alongside families in grief as I was back then.”

The PWP Community Hero award is a reminder of the power of individual action to make a difference.

Jacqui added:“I am accepting this award on behalf of all the wonderful people who have shared some of their hardest moments with us at Jeremiah’s Journey and the dedicated staff and volunteers who offer such a warm welcome to bereaved children and their carers.

"Behind the scenes there are always many more unrecognised heroes. Thank you to them all for building a stronger community in Plymouth.”

Ahead of the lights switch on, the festive fun will begin at 12pm with lots of free activities and entertainment across the Barbican. Look out for the festive bus on Southside Street where Jacqui will join special guest Dame Darcey and together, they will be switching on the Christmas lights, at approximately 5.15pm.

For more information visit the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On page.