Scotland Church Member Receives the British Empire Medal

Audrey Mutongi-Darko, founder of The No.1 Befriending Agency, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) on May 23 in recognition of her outstanding work to combat loneliness and isolation among older people in Glasgow. Mutongi-Darko is also invited to attend a royal garden party, where she will meet King Charles III and other members of the royal family later this year.

A Mission Born Out of Compassion

Launched in 2016, The No.1 Befriending Agency was inspired by Mutongi-Darko’s deep awareness—gained through her work with older adults—that many seniors suffer silently from social isolation and loneliness. She took action by building a volunteer-led initiative to connect trained companions with those in need of support.

During the past eight years the agency has delivered more than 600 one-to-one matches between volunteers and older adults, trained more than 700 volunteers, and provided not just companionship but long-term emotional support and friendship.

During the Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, placing huge pressure on voluntary organizations, Mutongi-Darko and her team rose to the challenge with creativity and resolve. They introduced a telephone befriending service and secured access to iPads, wi-fi, and digital training to help older people join Zoom calls and remain socially engaged throughout the lockdown.

Her work during this time was so impactful that in 2021 she received a Points of Light Award from the United Kingdom prime minister, recognizing her voluntary service at a national level.

Expanding Outreach, Rooted in Faith

Mutongi-Darko’s vision goes beyond one-to-one support. The agency has established valuable partnerships with organizations such as Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Willow Tearooms, and the Moving Image Archive. “These collaborations enable participants to enjoy enriching community experiences and cultural outings, further enhancing their sense of connection and belonging,” leaders behind the initiative said.

Mutongi-Darko is an active member of Faifley Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Clydebank, Scotland, where she continues to implement her ideas. “Her commitment to community care extends into her church life, where she faithfully supports those in need and fosters a culture of compassion and service,” regional church leaders said.

“I am truly grateful and humbled to receive the British Empire Medal,” Mutongi-Darko said as she reflected on the award. “While this recognition was unexpected, it serves as a profound honor and reflects the dedication and hard work of both myself and my team over the past eight years. I am grateful for this significant acknowledgment.”

A Lasting Legacy of Kindness

Mutongi-Darko’s work continues to change lives, bringing hope, dignity, and companionship to some of the most vulnerable members of the community, regional church leaders emphasized. “Her story is a reminder that a listening ear, a caring heart, and a simple act of presence can transform the life of another,” they said.

“On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Scotland, we extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Audrey Mutongi-Darko on this prestigious honor,” Scottish Mission leaders added. “We express our deep appreciation for her tireless commitment to combating loneliness and fostering meaningful human connection.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Scottish Mission news site.