In December, Stella Griffin, retail manger of local charity, the Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) won the Lifetime Achievement award for Social Change.

“Wow! I’ve won an award for doing a job I really love. It’s really nice to know that so many people feel I deserve this award. Thank you all for voting for me.” Stella Griffin, Area Retail Manager of SCT charity shops.

Having started as a cleaner of the crypt at Christ Church Spitalfields in the early nineties, Stella has worked hard to build the charity’s chain of 7 shops across East London which raise money to tackle homelessness and addiction in the area.

“Nobody has worked harder for this organisation than Stella. She is utterly dedicated and tireless.” @GrahamMarshall2, Graham Marshall, CEO, SCT

“The success of this organisation has been built upon the work of the charity shops that she founded and the staff that she has recruited and trained. Congratulations Stella!”

SCT has been helping the homeless and people in recovery from addictions since 1965. Next year they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change who host the Social Change Awards said “Stella, and the people who support and work with her, are ‘spirit-igniters’; acting to light a spark in others.

“At the moment money is tight for charities, there are more people needing help, Local Authorities are cutting funding, and on top of that there’s loads of negative narrative from politicians and the media” she argued. “In the face of this Stella and all the charities celebrated tonight, offer creativity, perseverance, caring and innovation that is amazing.”

Stella received a unique piece of art by cartoonist Grizelda, depicting her work with the Trust. The Trust will be presenting Stella with her award at a special evening on Wednesday 17th December at Paper & Cup, Bow http://www.socialchangeawards.org.uk/winners.html

ENDS

If you wish to interview Stella Griffin or want further information about SCT please contact:
• Sonia Rai, communications@sct.org.uk 020 7613 5722
• Richard Lee, rlee@dsc.org.uk, 020 7391 4881 or 0797 008 7207

Notes to editors:

• More information about the winning entries and finalists can be viewed at: http://www.socialchangeawards.org.uk/winners.html

• Directory of Social Change (DSC) is an independent national charity and the largest provider of information and training to the UK voluntary and community sector. DSC seeks to support voluntary organisations become effective agents for social change.

• This is the eighth annual Social Change Awards hosted by DSC.

About the Spitalfields Crypt Trust

• Spitalfields Crypt Trust is an East London charity providing practical help, support and training to people who have been homeless and suffering from addiction.

• It runs a drop in, rehabilitation hostel, personal development & training centre and a number of social enterprises to allow recovering addicts to gain work experience and training.

• Registered office: Acorn House 116-118 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JN. Spitalfields Crypt Trust is registered in England and Wales and limited by guarantee. Registered Charity No. 1075947 Company No 37347930

• SCT will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. Find out more at: www.sct.org.uk