Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Award, which was announced by The Queen on 30 April 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations, aims to recognise outstanding achievement by groups of two or more people who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community.

The successful groups for this year’s Awards were announced today. The three successful Northern Ireland groups are

• Greater Shankill Alternatives Community Support Volunteers, GSA's provide support volunteers who help victims of crime.
• Riding for the Disabled Association, To provide free of charge, riding sessions for children and adults with special needs in a safe environment.
• Derry City Red Cross - Meals on Wheels, Meals on wheels service.

Speaking about the awards, the First Minister, the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, said: “I congratulate all of the groups that were nominated for an award, and I appreciate the selfless time and effort given by the many hundreds of volunteers working in their communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

The fourth round of the Award is being launched simultaneously with the announcement of this year’s Award winners on 2 June 2006. Further details of the Award and nomination forms can be obtained by:

• Visiting the Award website.
• Emailing gjaward@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
• Phoning The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Office’s information line on 0845 000 2002.

Anyone wishing to encourage nominations of local groups can obtain information packs by ringing 0845 000 2002.

Nominations must be received by 30 September 2007.

www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk