Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering.
Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years.
Equivalent to an MBE, QAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Today, in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year, Four Buckinghamshire organisations have been announced as recipients of the 2022 award.
They are:
Winslow Big Society Group who are providing a range of activities to reduce social isolation. Amersham Band whose volunteers are making brass music accessible to all ages and abilities.
Amersham Band whose volunteers are making brass music accessible to all ages and abilities.
Lindengate Mental Health Charity which champions the benefits of learning and supporting mental health through interaction with nature, biodiversity and gardening.
Wycombe Refugee Partnership who are a multi-faith, multicultural volunteer group providing wrap-around support for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.
They are among 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire said:
“I am delighted that these four groups have been recognised for their excellence in volunteering. Like The Queen who 70 years ago pledged herself to serve this country these groups have pledged themselves to serve their communities and they do so with great passion and commitment.
It is truly astounding that volunteers continue to achieve so much and I’m sure I speak on behalf of all who have benefited from their support when I say, congratulations and thank you.”
Nominations for the 2023 awards are currently open. Any group of two or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. For more information visit the QAVS website. Nominations close on 15 September 2022
Read the Government Press Release