A Cotgrave resident who has worked for over two decades helping to better the lives of victims of domestic abuse has been praised by the Mayor of Rushcliffe for receiving an MBE in the New Years’ Honours List.
Nicola Brindley MBE received a signed letter of achievement from Mayor Cllr Christine Jeffreys in her home town on January 31, recognising her vital work with the Department of Work and Pensions based in Nottingham, to reach out and support over 800 victims since 2000.
Her efforts at refuges across the city and campaigning with the department on their J9 and Safe Place to disclose initiatives that were subsequently rolled out nationally, has made significant impacts to many survivors.
She has also worked extensively with Tara’s Angels to collect and distribute clothes and goods to women and children suffering abuse, supporting Women’s Aid and other local charities.
She was joined by her mother Pat Schade to receive the accolade from the Mayor and Cotgrave ward councillors Cllr Richard Butler and Cllr Leo Healy at Cotgrave Hub.
Cllr Jeffreys said: “We have many wonderful local people who have received honours from the Queen and Nicola has earned hers for the incredible work she does making a huge difference to victims suffering domestic violence.
“To have helped so many who desperately need support is heartening. Nicola must be congratulated for the positive and crucial impact she has made on their lives.”
Nicola is now set to collect her MBE at a ceremony in March at Buckingham Palace.
She said: “I hope the award can help to bring more awareness of Domestic Violence and encourage any victims to speak out and seek support.
“I am so honoured to be collecting an MBE and this acknowledgement from the Mayor as first citizen of the Borough and a fellow Cotgrave resident is heartwarming and I really appreciate it.
“I was so shocked and overwhelmed when I got a call to say I was to receive the MBE, I thought it was a hoax! I will be very humbled to collect the award, it’s good to be acknowledged as part of the department’s vital work.”