As we all know Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale have many voluntary and charitable organisations which do amazing work within their communities. Without the volunteers who give their time so freely, many of these groups would not survive and so it is right that these bighearted people are recognized in a significant and meaningful way. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.
It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded to those who are exceptional and whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional. The groups are likely to be amongst the best of their kind in the country.
A number of groups within our areas have already been successful and include Willow Wood and the Shed (Tameside), The Terence O’Grady Social Club the Mahdlo Youth Zone from Oldham, Friends of Hopwood Hall and Toad Lane Concerts from Rochdale. However, there are so many more deserving groups out there and it is up to us all to ensure that they are considered for this wonderful Award.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- The Group must have been operating for a minimum of 3 years.
- It must provide a specific local benefit and have an outstanding reputation locally.
- There must be evidence that volunteers are initiating and driving the group’s work. It may have some paid staff, but at least half of the people who work in the group must be volunteers.
There are many benefits for successful groups including a big boost to the volunteers as well as great publicity for their work. Successful groups are presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing Her Majesty’s signature. They also gain the right to use the QAVS logo on their stationery and other material.
Anyone can nominate a group, as long as they are not one of its employees or volunteers.
More information and guidance on how to nominate can be found at https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk