Eleven volunteer organisations in the north and north-east, have been commended in the first-ever King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The award recognises volunteer groups for outstanding community service. It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups, akin to an MBE.
Formerly known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the award was established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
Aberdeen children’s charity recognised
Aberdeen children’s charity AberNecessities is one of the charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.
The group provides basic essentials for families in need.
Danielle Flecher-Horn, founder of AberNecessities, said: “We are thrilled that our volunteers have been recognised by His Majesty The King.
“Every day, men and women from across the north-east join us to ensure no child should go without.
“From lovingly packing gifts for a new mum, to delivering a cot to ensure a baby has a safe place to sleep, our volunteers work tirelessly alongside staff to provide items.”
“Our volunteers dedication is unwavering and without their time and effort we wouldn’t be able to provide the same standard of service.”
Six from Aberdeenshire
In Aboyne, The Seed Box Ltd was recognised for its work offering horticultural and outdoor therapy to people with additional support needs in Aberdeenshire.
In Inverurie, Home-Start Garioch, was recognised for its work providing home support to young families facing difficulties in Aberdeenshire.
The charity said they are ‘proud and honoured’ to be given the accolade and that volunteers are the backbone of their organisation.
Serving Peterhead, Buchanhaven Harbour SCIO was recognised for its work fostering Bringing the spirit of community, inclusivity, heritage, family values and traditions to life for future generations.
The Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed was recognized. The group offers a workshop where men can help with repairing, building and maintaining objects for the local community, benefiting their wellbeing and helping to tackle loneliness. There are currently 130 participants involved in the Shed.
In Banff, Enable Deveronside was recognised for its work offering with people with disabilities to opportunities to meet socially in safe and stimulating environments.
Moray
In Forres, ReBOOT was recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service for its work recycling computer hardware to address digital poverty, social and environmental concerns.
Two from the Highlands
In Nairn, Team Hamish was recognised for its work creating community facilities as a sustainable legacy for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
In Achnasheen, the South West Ross Community Car Scheme was recognised for its work providing a vital affordable transport service in a remote rural area.
Two from the Western Isles
On the Isle of South Uist, SHARE, an acronym of ‘Sharing Helping And Reaching Everyone’, was recognised for its work operating a thrift shop which doubles as a social hub.
In Stornoway, Long Term Conditions Hebrides, was recognised for providing local people with long-term conditions support to help them support themselves.
Award date changes to King’s birthday
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.
From this year onwards, awardees will be announced annually on 14 November to mark The King’s birthday.
There were eleven organizations across the northeast, Highlands and Hebrides that were recognized with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The full list of Scottish winners is detailed in this map.
Conversation