Emily Kenward, founder of Time to Talk Befriending, and Mesfin Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, former corporate director and chief legal adviser at Brighton & Hove City Council, received the Freedom of the City award at a special meeting on December 18.
The Freedom of the City Award recognises exceptional service or achievement that has made a significant and lasting impact on Brighton & Hove and its people.
It is the most prestigious honour the council can bestow.
Ms Kenward said: “Receiving this award is a profound honour.
“This city has shaped my life and my work, and this recognition belongs to the many people who give their time, kindness and compassion to one another every day.
“I hope it shines a light on the power of connection, the value of older people in our community, and what can grow when we step out in faith and walk alongside one another.”
Since founding the charity in 2013, Ms Kenward and her team have supported more than 3,500 older people experiencing loneliness across Brighton, Hove, Adur, and Worthing.
The charity offers befriending, access to regular social events and emotional support.
Mr Ghebre-Ghiorghis, known to many as Abraham, served the city for 37 years as a council officer and was recognised for his outstanding commitment to race equality and local democracy.
He said: “I am deeply honoured to be admitted as a freeman of the city I love.
“It confirms Brighton & Hove’s position as a city of hope, liberty, equality and compassion; a city that welcomed people like me and treated them as its own.
“I hope that this beacon of hope continues to shine for generations to come.”
Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, described the pair as representing “the very best of Brighton & Hove.”
She added: “Emily’s tireless work to combat loneliness has brought dignity to thousands of otherwise isolated residents.
“Abraham’s remarkable journey from seeking asylum to becoming the beating heart of our civic life represents everything our city stands for – equality, justice and sanctuary.
“It is a privilege to recognise both of their extraordinary contributions with the Freedom of the City.”
However the decision was not without controversy, as Conservative councillors boycotted the meeting.
A statement said: “The Conservative group feel that the award of the freedom of the city is not one to be given lightly.
“As Brighton and Hove holds a prominent place in the country and it’s the city’s highest honour, it should be reserved for those whose work has not only demonstrated citywide significance but ideally earned national renown.”
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