Socks and Chocs has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the highest award for volunteering services in the UK.
The charity has been giving out vital supplies and providing funding for accommodation since 2010. To date, it has supplied over 22,000 items to homeless people throughout the West Midlands. In 2017, they have so far given out:
- 5496 pairs of socks
- 1426 box of chocolates
- 178 sleeping bags
Socks and Chocs was founded by four West Midlands Police Officers, including John Northcott: the ‘busking bobby’. He rose to social media fame in 2013 after a spontaneous rendition of Wonderwall by Oasis after talking to a local busker.
Founder of the project, retired policeman, John Northcott, said “We are honoured to receive this award and I am pleased that the team has been recognised.”
From September, Socks and Chocs runs the ‘Big Push’ to make sure local homeless centres have the supplies they need for the winter months. However, the now ensure that support is available year-round.
For more information, and to get involved, head to their website: socksandchocs.co.uk/
