Home-Start West Berkshire have been delighted to be able to announce that they have received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award local voluntary groups can receive in the UK.
There were four Home-Start’s celebrating this wonderful achievement with their volunteers, Home-Start Clackmannanshire, Home-Start East Lothian Home-Start Lisburn / Colin and Home-Start West Berkshire.
Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and the dedication of the incredible volunteers from our local Home-Starts has been recognised, especially in the Platinum Jubilee year, which makes it even more special. We could not do our work with families without our remarkable volunteers.
“The Jubilee year and this award, is a perfect opportunity to thank all of our amazing volunteers working with families and as trustees working tirelessly to make life better for families in our local communities across the UK. The Award is also a recognition of dedicated staff and coordinators whose fantastic contributions make this all possible.”
Grace Green, Director of Home-Start West Berkshire, said “It has been so difficult to keep quiet about this wonderful news until the Jubilee and what a fabulous year to receive it! Gaining our Investors in Volunteers Accreditation and now this incredible award in our 25th Anniversary Year has been so special and a true celebration of the amazing work our volunteers do behind the scenes in families homes across the West Berkshire.”
A total of 14 local Home-Starts have now received the highly respected award since it began in 2002, recognising the enormous impact made by staff and volunteers who support families going through tough times on a wide range of issues including postnatal depression, bereavement, coping with multiple births, isolation and financial worries.
Home-Start West Berkshire will receive the award crystal and certificate from their Lord-Lieutenant later this summer. In addition, two people will be attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
For more information on the recipients and for details on how to nominate an organisation visit: https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk/. Nominations for the 2023 awards close on 15 September 2022.