Churchill Living has recognised the inspiring contribution of over 60s in Suffolk as part of its Local Hero Awards 2026, with former Bury Baptist Minister Robert Green named the county’s Local Hero.
Robert received the award at a ceremony held at Churchill Living’s Liberty Lodge in Bury St Edmunds, in recognition of his dedication to helping change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in his community.
The story starts in 2015, when Robert joined forces with a group of local churches in Bury St Edmunds who shared a concern for people experiencing homelessness and those living in temporary accommodation. Together, they established The Bury Drop In, a charity designed to care for and inspire homeless people and help ensure everyone has a place to call home.
What began in September 2015 with just 15 volunteers supporting two guests has grown into a well-established service supporting up to 50 people at each session. Robert has been Chair of Trustees since 2021, providing leadership and helping the charity continue to grow its support for those who need it most.
Today, The Bury Drop In opens twice a week, offering home-cooked nutritious meals, friendship, a listening ear and practical support for people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. The Drop In is open to anyone - whether they are sleeping rough, staying on someone’s sofa or living in temporary accommodation.
The charity also works closely with West Suffolk Council’s rough sleeper service, NHS Health Outreach and other local agencies to help guests access the support they need. From emergency supplies such as sleeping bags, tents and toiletries to food vouchers and help finding permanent accommodation, the team works tirelessly to give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Robert’s contribution goes well beyond his role as Chair of Trustees. He regularly leads sessions himself and advocates for rough sleepers, working alongside local councils and support services to help vulnerable people move towards more secure futures.
As Suffolk’s Local Hero, Robert has received £1,000 for The Bury Drop In from the Churchill Foundation – the charity arm of Churchill Living – to support the charity to continue their incredible work in the local community.
Robert said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be awarded as Suffolk’s Local Hero by Churchill Living and for the Foundation’s incredibly generous donation towards our charity, The Bury Drop In. What started as a passion project for myself and fellow ministers and congregations over 10 years ago, has expanded in an unbelievable way and I’m thrilled we get to run these sessions every week and continue to support more vulnerable people. It’s a real team effort, so I’m proud to accept this on behalf of the whole team rather than just for myself.”
The awards highlight the valuable contribution older people continue to make through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and supporting those around them. According to the State of UK Volunteer Management Report 2026, 50% of organisations say their volunteer bases are mostly made up of people aged 61 to 79.
Spencer J McCarthy, Chairman and CEO of Churchill Living, said: “Following the success of last year’s Local Hero Awards, we were excited to re-launch the initiative this year and recognise another cohort of incredibly worthwhile nominees. The Local Hero Awards highlight the incredible contribution older people are making in communities across the country.
“Robert is a shining example of the impact that a person can have on the lives of those more vulnerable or less fortunate than themselves. The work of Robert and The Bury Drop In is evidently so valuable within this local community and I hope the donation from our Foundation goes some way to helping them to continue their valiant efforts to provide essential food, items and practical support for those who need it most.”
