MBE Award For Paula Bee

Age UK Wakefield District is delighted to celebrate the remarkable recognition of our Chief Executive, Paula Bee, who has been awarded an MBE for her outstanding contribution to supporting older people.

This honour reflects the dedication and impact of Paula’s leadership, both within the Wakefield District and further afield. Through her work, she has championed the voices of older people and inspired others to take action, helping to create the changes needed for people to live well later in life.

This award highlights the importance of the work done by Age UK Wakefield District in a community where one in five residents are aged 65 or over. As people live longer, there is a growing need to ensure that later life is not defined by isolation or ill health, but by dignity, connection, and independence.

As an organisation, we are incredibly proud of Paula, the work she does for our community and her leadership through financially challenging times. As a team, we were able to celebrate Paula’s award with a sunset party in our Tea Tree Café. Staff, trustees, volunteers and service users came together to enjoy tasty delights and look back at the charity’s work over the last 30+ years.

Paula Bee 

“I felt honoured to receive the MBE, it was an incredible moment and one I share with everyone who works so tirelessly to support older people in our communities. Being at Windsor Castle and meeting Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was a special moment. She was genuinely interested in the work of Age UK on both a national and local level. It’s a day I’ll never forget — not just for the ceremony itself, but for what it represents: a chance to shine a light on the importance of supporting older people to live well, feel connected, and be truly valued.”