2005 Award Winners

A-H | I-Q | R-Z

Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors
Established for thirteen years, Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors (ISAS) provides counselling to survivors of childhood sexual abuse throughout Nottinghamshire.

SAS provides a place for victims to speak about their situation and experiences. Support is available in the form of one-to-one counselling, group therapy and a telephone helpline. Volunteers also visit victims who are in prison.

The organisation is highly regarded and referrals come from a range of sources, including Social Services, The Probation Service and the victims themselves.

Manager Sue McLeod says she is very happy to see the organisation win this award, "Our counsellors provide invaluable support to people who might otherwise not know where to turn."

Contact: Sue McLeod (Manager, ISAS)
Phone: 01636 610 314

Islay and Jura Advice Centre
Established for thirteen years, Islay and Jura Advice Centre provides free, impartial and confidential advice to people in the community.

The Centre maintains close links with Citizens Advice Scotland and can advise on a range of subjects including benefits, money, employment and housing.

A number of volunteers help keep the service running five days a week, and receive around 1500 enquiries a year.

Manager Petra Pearce says she is very pleased the Centre has been recognised for its role in the community, "We have become an established and important service, and are proud to have won this award."

Contact: Petra Pearce (Manager, Islay and Jura Advice Centre)

Phone:01496 810 669

Islington Chinese Association
'Islington Chinese Association' is a registered charity with a mission to promote social cohesion. It works in harmony with the voluntary and statutory sector in the pursuit of charitable objectives that are of benefit to the community -in particular the Chinese community in London.

Begun in 1986 the main aims of the Association is to provide facilities for community education and training, to relieve poverty and distress through advisory services in addition to the promotion of racial harmony within the Borough of Islington and its environs.

In 2002 the association faced a setback when Islington Council made funding cuts for ethnic voluntary groups. However the Association is determined and has found that its financial struggle has made them a stronger and better organisation.

Perry Fung , Centre Manager says, "We are very pleased that the Chinese community has been honoured with such a prestigious recognition. It marks a significant recognition to our contribution to the Chinese and Mainstream communities. The Queen's Award for Voluntary service belongs to association members , staff, management committee and our volunteers at all levels. We will up keep our hard work!! "

Contact:
Chair: Dr. Stephen Ng
Fundraising Director: Katy Tse-Blair
Centre Manager: Perry Fung
Telephone: 020 7263 5986
Email: islingtonchinese@yahoo.co.uk or icayouthclub@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.islingtonchinese.com

Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group
The 'Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group' is a unique initiative that is beneficial for parents, schools and the environment. Walking buses provide a positive alternative to the 'school run' with the wide benefits including increased fitness and road safety awareness amongst the children as well as diminishing the environmental effects of congestion.

Support and sponsorship by the Kent Messenger media group and a range of other organisations has been essential for the project to successfully expand across Kent and support an ever-increasing network of walking buses.

The project removes barriers such as the cost of equipment; and through constant developments, the project also provides an extensive support package consisting of newsletters, a helpline for co-ordinators, forums for discussion and high profile events.

Through a strong web of support the influence of the 'The Walking Bus Group' has extended to almost all of the Kent Councils, with discussions currently underway for a 'twining' scheme with schools in France.

Simon Dolby Project Manager says, "We're delighted at receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. It recognises the daily work of our volunteers and the heightened profile has potential to attract funding that is essential for securing our future."

Contact: Simon Dolby 07989 164752
Email: simon@kentwalkingbus.org
Website: www.kentwalkingbus.org

Killin Mountain Rescue Team

Established for 12 years, the Killin Mountain Rescue Team was set up to assist in locating people lost or injured in the mountainous surrounding areas, which are popular for a range of outdoor activities.

This year the Team has been called out approximately 25 times, involving on average three people per rescue. The volunteers are all locals who know the area well and can navigate their way around.

The Team also try to talk to people and inform them about how they can enjoy the outdoors safely.

Team Leader William Stitt says he is very happy about the award, “The group exists to save lives and we are proud to have done so.”

Contact: William Stitt (Team Leader)
Phone: 01567 820663

The Lakes Estate Summer Group
Established for nine years, The Lakes Estate Summer Group serves Milton Keynes residents through social and educational activities.

The Group developed to bring the diverse communities of Milton Keynes together. The whole community is encouraged to get involved, especially those who feel isolated, including young people, ethnic minorities and the elderly.

Activities run for five weeks in the summer, including dance classes, arts and crafts workshops and IT courses.

Chairperson Sally Powers says she is very pleased about the award, "The scheme helps people have an enjoyable summer and creates a community feeling within the area."

Contact: Sally Powers
Phone: 01908 375 527

Lighthouse Education Project
The 'Lighthouse Education Project' is an innovative and growing initiative supported by generous members of the community and the Generation Church. The project seeks to provide a flexible education environment for 12-16 year olds who are experiencing difficulties with the mainstream education system.

Initially an informal enterprise, 'The Lighthouse Project' began after Hayley Roberts, who has been informally educated her children since 2001, was approached by parents concerned that their children were not receiving an appropriate education. The effects in the Wateresdge area have been dramatic, as crime and the fear of crime have reduced significantly.

'The Lighthouse Project' is continuously growing and hopes to continue to give youngsters an holistic value system that parents, society and the community have failed to provide.

Founder Hayley Roberts says, "We're really proud that our voluntary work has been recognised. We hope that this can help us with funding so that the project can have a more sustainable future."

Contact: Hayley Roberts 07929 554472
Email: Hayley.roberts@ntlworld.com

Luton United Football Club
Established for four years, Luton United Football Club provides recreational opportunities for young people aged six years and upwards.

The club aims to engage Luton’s diverse ethnic groups and reach out to the city’s deprived areas. It provides enjoyable and exciting after school and lunchtime football clubs.

For a sport that used to be dominated by white males Luton United F.C. has turned this around and has shown that it can be enjoyed by all, regardless of race or gender.

Secretary Adam Burgess says the award is a great achievement for them,  “We are passionate about football and try to make the children enjoy it as much as we do.”

Contact: Mr Adam Burgess
Phone: 07720 311 520

MAGPAS
`MAGPAS' is the emergency medical charity for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It runs two schemes. Both save lives.

The Emergency Medical Team (EMT), made up of doctors and paramedics, volunteer their time to be trained, equipped and co-ordinated by the charity. The team use the emergency vehicle and the ASU police helicopter to get to serious incidents fast so they can perform emergency procedures at the scene.

For the Community First Responder Scheme (CFRS), MAGPAS trains, equips and co-ordinates local people with little or no previous medical experience so they can attend medical emergencies in their community. In a largely rural area like Cambridgeshire, this can cut the response time drastically and literally be the difference between life and death.

MAGPAS has been a registered charity since 1971 and is now widely recognised as one of the UK's leading authorities on immediate care.

Howard Sheriff, Chairman of MAGPAS said, "Everyone at MAGPAS is delighted that we have received this award. The charity was nominated by members of the local community, so I am sure all of our volunteers will feel proud that their hard work and dedication to saving lives is so well appreciated."

Contact: Howard Sheriff 01480 371 060
Email: info@magpas.org.uk
Website: www.magpas.org.uk

Moelfre Community Project
Established five years ago, Moelfre Community Project provides activities for elderly people including a Day Care centre, Luncheon Club and weekly Keep-Fit Club.

The Project supports Lifelong Learning, and provides courses for a range of interests. This helps older people stay mentally active and boosts self-esteem.

Volunteers play a key role in ensuring activities are suitable, accessible and readily available. They also regularly consult users and the wider community on how services can be improved.

Co-chairperson Derlwyn Rees Hughes says he is delighted the Project has been rewarded for its work, "Our aim is to help elderly people enjoy life and benefit from as many positive experiences as possible. It is an honour to be recognised for this."

Contact: Mr Derlwyn Rees Hughes (Co-chairperson, Moelfre Community Project)
Phone: 01248 410 816

The Muirfield Group of Riding for the Disabled
Established for fourteen years, the Muirfield Group of Riding for the Disabled offers riding therapy to people with disabilities for the benefit of their health and enjoyment.

The group has helped around 120 riders this year from local volunteer organisations. Riding therapy helps people use muscles that are very difficult to exercise with normal physiotherapy. It is also great confidence for some who may not be able to walk to ride a horse outside.

Group Chairman Mrs Susan Law said she was very happy for the group was recognised, "We are dedicated to helping people young and old though difficult disability's. It is an honour to win the award."

Contact: Mrs Susan Law (Chairman)
Phone: 01620 843 888

Muslim Welfare House
The Muslim Welfare House was established in 1970 by a small group of people with an initial focus on catering for the religious and cultural needs of the nascent Muslim community in the area. Since then the organisation has grown considerably - there are now nine branches of the Muslim Welfare House (with the headquarters based in London) and the aims and service offerings have broadened.

The fact of the main branch's geographical location in Islington, an area high in socio-economic deprivation indicators is reflected in those accessing services at the Centre.

The Muslim Welfare House has some of the most deprived sections of society accessing and relying on its services - including refugees, the unemployed, children with learning difficulties and the elderly.

For the majority of the groups the organisation actually serves as a 'springboard' to mainstream services - providing the information and referral necessary to ensure these groups make full use of their opportunities. Underlying the provision of Muslim Welfare House services is a strong commitment to encouraging the integration and participation of these groups in wider society.

As well as catering for peoples cultural and religious needs Muslim Welfare House actively supports users to engage in programmes of skills development, self-employment and business start-ups. These include: Adult Education and Training, Business Employment and Training Support, Religious Facilities, Family and Youth Development, Advise and Support Services and Counselling.

Fadi Itani Executive Director says:

"We are extremely happy and honoured to be recognised for this award of excellence and to receive royal recognition. We hope our services will continue to benefit all members of the communities we work in and we will continue to provide them with the support they need."

Contact: Mr Fadi Itani
Ph: 0207 263 3071
Email: info@mwht.org.uk

Newquay Rowing Club
Newquay Rowing Club was formed in 1921 with the first rowing season in 1922. They are a not for profit group, where all money raised is given back to the community. The club has over 20 volunteers and 135 rowers aged 12 to 65 plus over 350 non-rowing social members. The group organises the county rowing championships over two weekends in September. The club also has facilities for a team of blind rowers as well as training for elite rowers, in fact one of their members competed in the Commonwealth Games. Newquay Rowing Club has become an integral part of the community.

As well as rowing, the club prides itself on the charity fundraising work they do in support of a number of local charities by holding rowing related events. For example members have rowed to Ireland to raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West and in September 2005, they will be rowing down the Thames to raise money for breast cancer appeal Sunrise.

The club believes it has been successful in winning the Queen’s Award thanks to the input and hard work of every generation over a period of 84 years which has provided the Newquay community with great facilities to use.

Contact: John Cuthill - 01872 573 624
Website: www.swebber.freeuk.com

Newton Farm Community Association
The 'Newton Farm Community Association' provides essential services to communities in the Hereford region and surrounding areas at no cost. The initiative r un by 24 volunteers provides advice and information on anything from rent arrears to dealing with bailiffs - and everything in between.

The group has expanded dramatically since it was conceived five and a half years ago with more than 30,000 enquiries from local residents.

With a move to a larger premises scheduled for the end of the year, fundraising has been determined, allowing 'Newton Farm Community Association' to keep helping as many people as possible. The members have devised many novel fundraising events - including a Healthy Living Cook Book, which will be on sale from July 13 th with all proceeds being invested back into the community.

Group Leader, Richard Johnston says:
"We are absolutely delighted and overwhelmed at receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This award belongs, not only to the association, but also, to the whole South Wye community; without their continued support, 'Newton Farm Community Association' would not be the success it is."

Contact: Richard Johnston
Ph: 01432 279 116
Email: newtonfarminfo@tiscali.co.uk

North Lynn Community Centre

Established for over four years, the North Lynn Community Centre offers help and activities to disadvantaged people in the local area.

The centre is used for recreational activities and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. A Luncheon Club meets on a Wednesday, providing a cheap, cooked meal for anyone who wants to come along.

Volunteers help to maintain the centre and publicise its work.

Centre Manager Helen Mace says she is very happy about this award, “We help people from all walks of life and bring the whole community together.”

Contact: Ms Helen Mace
Phone: 01553 771 206

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Advocacy Alliance
Established for almost ten years, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Advocacy Alliance helps vulnerable people to voice their rights and needs. The group supports adults with special needs by providing them with advocates.

Advocates are trained to assist with a variety of situations. They have helped people in residential homes to express their opinions. They have also accompanied hospital patients to consultations to ensure they understand information being given to them.

The group also trains people in self-advocacy, and provides them with the information they need to have take control of their lives.

Manager Julie Thorpe says the group is delighted to have won this award, "Our volunteers are committed to helping the people understand their rights. It is great the work they do has been recognised."

Contact: Julie Thorpe (Manager, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Advocacy Alliance )
Phone: 01623 662 664
Website: http://www.nnaa.org.uk/

Pakistani Community Centre (Longsight)
Established for 26 years, the Pakistani Community Centre provides a range of services for diverse communities in the local area.

The Centre is open seven days a week and operates a 'drop-in' advice service. This is of particular benefit to those who have limited English, and need assistance with things such as filling in forms or communicating their needs.

A number of activities take place at the Centre including a summer play scheme and various community meetings.

Trustee Sajjad Hussain says he is very happy the Centre has been recognised for its work, "Our activities benefit not only the Pakistani community, but the wider public too. We are delighted to win this award."

Contact: Sajjad Hussain (Trustee, Pakistani Community Centre (Longsight)
Phone: 0161 256 4518

Pakistani Kashmir Welfare Association
The Pakistani Kashmir Welfare Association (PKWA) Ltd, West Yorkshire is a vibrant and dynamic community organisation, based in Batley; one of the most deprived wards in the UK , and led and managed by members of the local community. For more than fifteen years the association has been successfully developing and implementing strategies to tackle the many and complex problems faced by the local community - including high unemployment, poor physical and mental health, dilapidated housing, low educational achievement etc.

PKWA has been running Breakfast & Out of School Club for children, leisure and recreation activities and connexions advise provision for young people, day care and drop in provision for the elderly, extended learning support provision for the children of school age, education & training provision for adults from short courses to off campus higher education courses validated by the Leeds Metropolitan University in PKWA's purpose built community centre, separate health projects for men & women for carers and mental health sufferers, benefits advice workers to support with advice and general form filling, immigration advice worker for other matters etc. PKWA runs many other additional free services for the North Kirklees Community e.g. translating birth & marriage certificates etc, form filling and attestation services British, Pakistani passports and ID cards etc

With no external support, the association has developed many innovative means of supporting its programme of social, welfare and educational activities; and its success is owed entirely to the energy and commitment of the many volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources over the years.

The association, in common with most community groups, has faced many trials and tribulations over its existence. Not least the ongoing struggle to give voice to a community that has suffered too long in silence; accepting its ills as the inevitable lot of the invisible and powerless. But, from a standing start fifteen years ago, the PKWA is now recognised by the local powers as a potent advocate for the Pakistani & Kashmiri communities of North Kirklees ; and it is no longer possible for planners and policy-makers to overlook the needs of these communities.

After slogging away for so many years, it is particularly gratifying to be recognised for the innovative work that we do, for the excellent services that we provide to the community, and for the high standard of our governance structures. We are proud of the work that we do at PKWA, and we are delighted to be recognised by a robust, independent observer as an excellent, innovative, quality organisation. As the association's Chair , Mr Mohammed Sadiq, said, "We have never really thought of ourselves as unsung heroes; we are just people who have decided not to sit idly by as our community disintegrates around us; we are just ordinary men and women who have realised that by working together we can achieve far more than we can as individuals. It is flattering to be called heroes, and receiving this award has made us reflect upon what we have accomplished over the years, and to take stock of how far we have come; but if we are heroes, we are very ordinary heroes."

PKWA have also recently been granted the Matrix award for organisational governance, and delivery of information, advice and guidance services; and have held the Duke of York Award for Excellence since 1999.

Contact: Mr Mohd Sadiq
Phone: 01924 422786

Pathfinders

Established for fifteen years, Pathfinders aims to inform and educate visually impaired people and their families.  

Volunteers work to motivate people to live an independent life, while supporting their members in their resource centre, open on a daily basis.

The group seeks to make useful equipment available, such as Braille keyboards  

Treasurer Mrs Amy Dowd says she is very pleased the group’s efforts have been acknowledged with this award, “We try to improve visually impaired people’s quality of life and give them the tools they need to live independently.”

Contact: Mrs Amy Dowd (Treasurer)
Phone: 01268 286 891

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