The entire community at Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise (GRACE) is celebrating following the formal presentation of the British Empire Medal (BEM) to our CEO and Founder, Robert Smith.
Robert received the prestigious award on Thursday, November 20th, in recognition of his outstanding service to the community of East Dunbartonshire.
The award specifically honours Robert’s vision and dedication in founding GRACE—a vital recovery and aftercare organisation. Since its inception over 13 years ago, the charity has grown into a cornerstone of support for local individuals facing life traumas, including mental health challenges, isolation, and issues related to addiction.
A Recognition of Hands-On Service
Robert received a letter in June this year from Jill Young, MBE, Lord-Lieutenant of east Dunbartonshire, congratulating him on being awarded a BEM in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours 2025 as Chief Executive Officer, Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise. For services to charity and to the community in East Dunbartonshire after his name was submitted by the Prime Minister and approved by The King.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ achievement or contribution that has delivered a sustained, real impact within a local geographical area. For Robert, this medal acknowledges his personal journey and unwavering commitment to creating a safe, peer-led environment where members can connect, rebuild confidence, and find a pathway back to social inclusion.
In founding GRACE, Robert turned his lived experience into a positive, long-lasting resource that continues to transform lives every single day.
The GRACE board, staff, volunteers, and all members extend their heartfelt congratulations to Robert on receiving this truly deserved honour. We are incredibly proud to be led by someone whose compassion and tireless work ethic have been formally recognised at the highest level.
Thank you, Robert, for your dedication to the community and for being an inspiration to us all.
The following is taken from the investiture speech where Mr. Robert Stephen Smith, for services to charity and to the community in East Dunbartonshire received his BEM:
Robert founded and is Chief Executive Officer of the charity group, Recovery Aftercare and Community Enterprise, known as GRACE.
The objective of GRACE is to help some of the most disadvantaged individuals in our society: people with poor mental or physical health, disability, addiction, the elderly, the isolated, and those with many social issues.
GRACE started out running sessions in Hillhead in East Dunbartonshire, but Robert wanted to help people having problems with mental health and addiction. He wanted to encourage people to learn new skills, hobbies, and find friendship. To encourage such aims, GRACE runs diverse sessions such as yoga, digital learning and writing, gardening, and other activities. Such classes help foster self-confidence and make people feel valued.
Robert, by his nature, cares for those his charity helps. An example of the effort he makes is the response made by GRACE during the COVID pandemic. In short order, WhatsApp groups were set up, parcels delivered, and an interlinked web of community support established to help many vulnerable groups of locals.
GRACE established a group called Sharing Time, which acts to bring many diverse charities together to ensure best practices and promote cooperative and effective working. Food and clothing were also provided by the Help Yourself Hub to assist in the cost of living crisis and NHS Greater Glasgow commissioned GRACE to help deliver an actual campaign to help break down the stigma and social inequality.
Swipe through to see some incredible moments
For further information on GRACE please get in touch here: Contact us
Congratulations to Robert our CEO and founder on this amazing and well deserved recognition for all the dedication and hard work over the many years and to his family for their continued support.