Celebrating outstanding support for unpaid carers
CoWL was proud to welcome guests, partners and supporters to Sycamore House on Thursday 11 June for a truly special occasion – the formal presentation of the British Empire Medal (BEM) to our Chair, Ann Pike, in recognition of her exceptional service to the community and third sector across West Lothian.
Lord Lieutenant of West Lothian, Moira Niven (left), presents Ann with the award on behalf of The King.
Held during Carers’ Week, the event carried added significance, shining a spotlight not only on Ann’s remarkable achievements, but also on the vital role played by unpaid carers locally and nationally.
We were honoured that Moira Niven, Lord Lieutenant of West Lothian, joined us to formally present the award, marking the occasion with dignity and warmth.
A well-deserved recognition
Ann’s BEM recognises decades of commitment, leadership and advocacy on behalf of unpaid carers, disabled people and community organisations. Throughout her time with CoWL and beyond, she has played a central role in shaping support services, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that the voices of carers are heard where it matters most. She has also used her extensive networks to recruit new trustees, with a strong emphasis on bringing forward individuals from under-represented groups and those new to trustee roles.
Speaking at the event, it was clear that Ann’s impact goes far beyond titles and formal roles. Ann’s work has consistently been grounded in compassion, determination and a genuine belief that unpaid carers deserve recognition, support and respect.
From influencing local decision-making to supporting the development of services on the ground, Ann has been instrumental in helping organisations like CoWL grow and respond to the needs of the community.
Carers’ Week is about raising awareness and recognising the vital role carers play every day – and Ann’s award stands as a powerful reflection of that contribution.
For the past eight years, she has served as the Unpaid Carer Representative for West Lothian, attending strategic meetings with the Integrated Joint Board to ensure carers’ voices are heard in local decision-making. She has also taken this role nationally as the COSLA unpaid carer representative, influencing discussions with the Scottish Government.
Her wider contributions to the third sector are equally impressive. Ann:
Spent nine years on the Board of the West Lothian Third Sector Gateway, including as Vice Chair and Chair of the Finance Committee
Co-founded The Wedge, supporting neurominority women in the workplace
Helped establish the West Lothian Self-Directed Support group
Supported and continues to champion the West Lothian African Women’s Network
Served as a patron of the West Lothian Race Forum
Has mentored 22 charity leaders through Charity Leadership Scotland
And even this list, it was acknowledged, only scratches the surface.
Ann with CoWL Ambassadors (from left): Nancy, Paul, Ann, Esther, Anna and Peter (Patron).
A lasting legacy
It is precisely this depth and breadth of voluntary contribution that has led to Ann being awarded the British Empire Medal.
Those attending the event spoke warmly about Ann’s leadership style: supportive, thoughtful and always focused on making a difference. Her influence has been felt across the local third sector, where she has worked tirelessly to build connections, support collaboration, and champion good practice.
Ann’s leadership at CoWL has helped ensure the organisation remains rooted in its values, while continuing to evolve and meet the changing needs of carers and families.
While the BEM marks a significant milestone, those gathered were clear that Ann’s work is far from finished. Her continued dedication to unpaid carers and the wider community remains as strong as ever.
At CoWL, we are incredibly proud to have Ann as our Chair. This recognition is not only well-deserved, but also a reflection of the countless individuals and organisations she has supported along the way.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Ann on this outstanding achievement, and our sincere thanks for everything she has done – and continues to do – for unpaid carers and the third sector in West Lothian.