A SELFLESS mum has been recognised by the Prime Minister for providing support to homeless people.

Colchester MP Will Quince presented the Points of Light Award to Josie MacIsaac.

Josie has drawn on her own experiences to provide support to homeless people in Colchester for more than 30 years.

Born to homeless parents in Tangiers, Morocco, she came to the UK in her teens and, despite a period of homelessness, found work and gained support from a local convent.

She established her own community centre called ‘Josie’s Kitchen’ in 2003. The kitchen opens twice a week to offer food, clothing and support for people to get back on their feet.

She is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

In a personal letter to Josie, born as Josefa, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The assistance you have provided to homeless people in Colchester over three decades is a testament to your remarkable commitment to helping some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Mr Quince, who presented the award, added: "One person sleeping rough on our streets is one too many.

"Josefa’s work helping homeless people in Colchester makes such a difference to some of the most vulnerable in our community, and so I am delighted her extraordinary work has been recognised.”

Josie had no idea she was being presented with the award.

She said: "I am overwhelmed, this is a lovely surprise. I don’t do this for recognition, it’s always been about the people and my community.

"The homeless in Colchester are like my family and I will continue to do what I can to help and give something back.

"I am not doing this for prizes, I'm doing it off my own back, for my people."

She is the 959th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA.