Volunteer Honoured at Buckingham Palace Garden Party for Supporting Local Families

A young volunteer from Newcastle upon Tyne who spent years supporting children and families while completing her university studies has been recognised at one of the country’s most prestigious royal events.

Lauren Marriott, 23, attended this week’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her dedication to Action for Children and her work supporting vulnerable families in Newcastle and the wider community.

The special event, hosted in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, welcomed hundreds of guests from across the UK who have made a positive impact through volunteering, charity work and community support.

Lauren was invited through Action for Children, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, which is represented at the Royal Garden Parties each year through its patron, Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Her invitation marked a proud moment not only for Lauren and her family, but also for colleagues and volunteers at Galafield Family Hub in Newcastle upon Tyne, where she first began volunteering in 2023.

Newcastle upon Tyne volunteer recognised for supporting families.

Originally from Northwich in Cheshire, Lauren moved to Newcastle upon Tyne to study psychology before continuing with a masters degree in forensic psychology.

Alongside the demands of university life, she dedicated much of her spare time to volunteering with Action for Children, helping to organise and support activities for local children, parents and teenagers.

Working at Galafield Family Hub, Lauren became involved in a wide range of community projects designed to support families and provide safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people.

Her volunteering included helping to run family clubs, baby groups, parent and toddler sessions, play and learn activities and fun days for the local community.

Lauren also played a key role in organising activity weeks for teenagers and supported fundraising efforts linked to major events such as the Great North Run.

During the festive season, she helped pack Christmas hampers for families facing financial difficulties, ensuring households across Newcastle received additional support during one of the most challenging times of the year.

Colleagues say her enthusiasm, kindness and willingness to help quickly made her a valued member of the team.

Buckingham Palace Garden Party celebrates community champions.

Lauren attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party alongside her mother, Cheryl Edwards, with guests gathering from charities and organisations across the country.

The annual royal event celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteering and public service.

Guests were invited to enjoy the famous palace gardens while meeting representatives from charities, organisations and community groups from across the UK.

For Lauren, the invitation represented recognition for years of hard work and commitment to helping others while balancing academic studies and personal responsibilities.

Speaking after the event, she described the experience as both emotional and unforgettable.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege representing Action for Children at the garden party,” she said.

“Volunteering with the charity has given me endless opportunities to build my confidence both personally and professionally.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from staff at Action for Children and hope to uphold their values in my future endeavours.”

Her mother Cheryl said she had always admired Lauren’s determination to help children and families who needed support.

“Lauren always finds time to give support to children that need help in life,” she said.

“She’s a truly special person and I’m so proud to be her mum.”

Action for Children continues vital work across Newcastle.

Action for Children operates more than 370 services across the UK, supporting vulnerable children, young people and families through a variety of programmes and community initiatives.

In Newcastle upon Tyne, services such as Galafield Family Hub provide practical support, early intervention and social opportunities for local families.

Community hubs play a particularly important role in helping parents access guidance, childcare advice and social activities while creating safe environments for children to learn and develop.

Volunteers remain central to the charity’s work, helping organisations reach more families and provide additional activities that may otherwise not be possible.

Kate Howarth, Children’s Services Manager at Action for Children, praised Lauren’s contribution and said her commitment had made a real difference.

“Lauren’s commitment, enthusiasm, and warmth make her a great example of what volunteering looks like in practice, and her contribution is highly valued,” she said.

“We are delighted to see her recognised in this way.”

Newcastle graduate continues supporting young people.

Following her studies, Lauren has now moved into a full-time role at a specialist hospital near Newcastle upon Tyne which supports young people with complex behavioural, emotional and health needs.

Her career path reflects the same passion for helping vulnerable young people that first inspired her volunteer work at Action for Children.

Friends and colleagues say her recognition at Buckingham Palace demonstrates the important impact volunteers can have within local communities.

Across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East, charities continue to rely heavily on volunteers who give up their time to support children, families and vulnerable residents.

Community organisations have repeatedly highlighted the growing importance of volunteer support as demand for services continues to rise.

Lauren’s story also highlights the positive role students and young people can play in strengthening communities while gaining valuable personal and professional experience.

For many charities, volunteers like Lauren help create opportunities, support struggling families and build stronger local connections that benefit communities long after events and projects have ended.

Her recognition at Buckingham Palace serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness and dedication can leave a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Do you know someone in Newcastle upon Tyne making a difference through volunteering or community work? Share their story in the comments and celebrate the people helping to strengthen local communities across the North East.