Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, from London was among 26 exceptional individuals honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to society.
The Medal Presentation, held on Thursday 22nd January, saw Tskenya receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Community (BCAc). Recipients are invited to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements.
As an active community organiser, Tskenya has been instrumental in supporting local food banks, working closely with Precious Lives Food Bank, which serves over 100 people each week, equating to more than 5,000 food packages over the past two years. For 10 years, Tskenya has been a driving force in her inner-city community, dedicating her time to uplifting others and creating lasting change.
Her volunteering goes far beyond food distribution: she avidly fundraises, organises cultural trips for the young and elderly, and lobbies directly with local partners and councillors to ensure support is sustainable, and entire families are connected with wraparound services.
Tskenya is passionate about diversity and inclusion, actively breaking down barriers and fostering understanding across cultural, ethnic, and social divides. By encouraging dialogue and challenging biases, she is making Hackney a more inclusive and empathetic place.
For 10 years, Tskenya has worked with Hackney Police Ward and Council to promote safety in the area in her role as Chair of the local Tenants and Residents Association. In this role, she has advocated for transparency, accountability, and safer neighbourhoods. Alongside this, she is known for her face-to-face lobbying with key local stakeholders, ensuring that the most marginalised voices are represented.
Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers and BCA patron, says: “Tskenya is a true unsung hero and a shining example of what it means to be a community champion. Their positive impact embodies real citizenship and shows just how powerful local action can be. At Specsavers, we care deeply about the communities we are part of and we believe people like Tskenya are vital to helping them thrive. Their story is genuinely inspirational, and this accolade is thoroughly deserved. Thank you for the extraordinary contribution you have made to our society.”
The presentation, hosted by TV and Radio presenter Konnie Huq, was attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Lord Mott OBE. Representatives from BCA supporters, Specsavers, Places for People, Novus Property Solutions and Aldermore Bank were also in attendance. Following the ceremony, medalists enjoyed an Open Top Lap of Honour tour taking in some of Westminster’s iconic sights in celebration of their positive impact on communities the length and breadth of the UK.
