We are thrilled to congratulate Diversity Matters Northwest as they receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Action Award. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Diversity Matters Northwest is an award winning independent local charity working to combat health inequalities and social exclusion and to promote community cohesion.
Diversity Matters North West was established as a charity in 2007 and was formally Hyde Community Action. The charity exists to challenge inequalities in health and wellbeing and to help predominantly, but not exclusively, South Asian women to develop their potential. We do this by delivering our own services, and through partnership with others. We provide a safe space in which women are supported to empower themselves, and each other. The team currently consists of 9 Trustees, 9 staff members and around 60 volunteers.
Diversity Matters North West is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Recipients are announced annually on 14 November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK.
Representatives of Diversity Matters North West will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant’s Diane Hawkins Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester later this summer. In addition, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Diversity Matters North West Representatives state:
Caroline Gregory | Chair
"We are delighted to receive this award that recognises the very hard work of the staff and volunteers at diversity matters. We are particularly pleased that the award recognises the influence of volunteers and the community in developing our work and delivering services which meet the needs of our local residents."
Gemma Gaskell and Rehana Begum | Chief Executives (Job Share)
"We are very proud to be part of such an amazing organisation. Our staff and volunteers (including our trustees) are dedicated, hardworking and passionate about supporting the local community. Working for Diversity Matters North West is more of a privilege than a job."
