The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (the highest award given to charitable organisations), will be awarded to 241 organisations across the UK, as the Minister for Civil Society and Youth hailed volunteers as “the backbone of local communities” during the national recovery from Covid-19.
Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have received the prestigious award for delivering exceptional service within their communities over the past year and beyond.
The winners have carried out critical work to enhance the lives of others, from reaching people suffering from dementia through music and song in Gloucestershire to providing support and friendship to refugees and asylum seekers in Merseyside.
Many of those honoured have adapted their services to respond to the coronavirus outbreak as the voluntary sector continues to play a vital role in the national recovery. This has been recognised through a special designation given to 164 of the group for providing impactful support during the initial lockdown.
Coinciding with Volunteers’ Week, the Queen’s Award recognises that volunteers have been vital throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and will continue to be as the country emerges from lockdown.
Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Baroness Barran, will be marking Volunteers’ Week with a series of visits to some of the exceptional organisations carrying out critical work.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration for the UK to recognise those who have dedicated their time to support their local community, both through the pandemic and over many years.
The following Asian groups are amongst those who have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their outstanding voluntary work in the community for 2021
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
IHWO (Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation) Northampton Enriching lives of Hindus by meeting their social, cultural, educational, health and wellbeing needs.
BERKSHIRE
Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara (GMGG)
Providing hot meals and food parcels to people in need in Slough, London and throughout the UK.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE DREAMSAI Milton Keynes Providing assistance and support to vulnerable people in accordance with the teachings of Shirdi Sai.
GREATER LONDON
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Providing food, education and health services supporting at-risk people throughout the community.
WEST SUSSEX
Gurjar Hindu Union (GHU) Providing education, cultural and integration support services to the Hindu and wider community in Crawley.
THE WEST MIDLANDS
Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple, Voluntary Action Group Providing a Hindu Temple and Community Centre, promoting spirituality, inclusion, and social cohesion.
SOUTH GLAMORGAN
Cardiff Bangladeshi Society Providing services to improve health, well-being, educational attainment and aspiration.
