The Queen honours the outstanding work of our volunteers

On June 2nd 2011 it was announced that the Chilterns MS Centre has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

The Queen honours outstanding volunteer group in Halton, Buckinghamshire, with prestigious Award

On June 2^nd 2011 it was announced that the Chilterns MS Centre  has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

This prestigious UK National Honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

The Chilterns MS Centre has received the Award for volunteer support during 26 years of providing treatment, care and support to over 500 people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families.  Professional therapists deliver treatments but the Centre simply couldn’t operate without the support of over 80 volunteers who undertake tasks such as operating the hyperbaric chamber, running the reception desk, administration, accounts, management, fundraising and much, much more.

The Chilterns MS Centre will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher at a special ceremony on 25^th August 2011.

The group alos received an invitation for four volunteers to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 12^th July.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Award Committee Chair, former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said,

“Volunteer groups make such an important contribution to their communities, often without praise for the incredible job they do.  In these difficult times their efforts are even more valuable.  It’s a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Chilterns MS Centre with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and give official recognition for the benefits they bring to others’ lives.”

Background to the award

In 2002, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service by Groups in the Community was established. Its purpose is to recognise groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE. As such, the Queen’s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held.

The Award is overseen by the Office for Civil Society (OCS). As part of the Cabinet Office, OCS works across government departments to provide support to voluntary and community organisations and is responsible for delivery of the Big Society programme.

Groups must be nominated for the Award – self nomination is not permitted.