Tribute to North East Charity for volunteering excellence
Tuesday 15th September 2009 - The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock, OBE today attended a special ceremony to present Tyneside Cyrenians, the north east based charity which supports vulnerable and homeless people, the 2009 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The prestigious National Honour sets the benchmark for excellence in volunteering; the activities of those awarded have been judged to be of the highest standard. The Award is equivalent in status to the MBE.
An exclusive commemorative crystal together with a certificate, signed by Her Majesty, was presented by the Lord Lieutenant to Stephen Bell, Chief Executive, who received the Award on behalf of the Charity. The Lord-Lieutenant said:
“I am delighted to be making this presentation today. Tyneside Cyrenians has become an important organisation within our region. Now a significant employer and investor, the Charity continues to excel in providing support and services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people – living up to its watch phrase; ‘Changing Lives, Building Futures’. The significant numbers of accolades received in recent years are testament to the effective and pioneering work of Tyneside Cyrenians in the sector. They are thoroughly deserving of this recognition.”
Commenting on the Award, Stephen Bell, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cyrenians, said:
“I speak for everyone at Tyneside Cyrenians when I say we are honoured and humbled to have been recognised in this way.”
Our Volunteer Programme is an integral part of our organisation – part of our DNA – we are so proud of the opportunities it offers and of the positive contribution it makes to so many people’s lives. It is a huge compliment to our volunteers, our staff and our service users to know that their efforts rank with the very best in the country.”
The Queen’s Awards for volunteering recognises groups of individuals who give their time freely for the benefit of others. They were established 2002 to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee.
Val NevinLearning and Development Manager at Tyneside Cyrenians, responsible for the volunteering programme said:
“Our volunteers come from all walks of life and are aged from 18 to 83! Most are motivated ‘to give something back.”
“Volunteering is particularly important at Tyneside Cyrenians as, for many people at risk of social exclusion, volunteering can be an important first step in their personal development plan. Volunteering builds up confidence and self-esteem, provides a social network and introduces routine and so can prove vital in helping to create a pathway into employment.”
The Award is overseen by the Office of the Third Sector, in the Cabinet Office. Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said,
“Volunteering binds communities together and builds a stronger and kinder society. Often these unsung heroes go about their work without much recognition, that’s why I’m particularly pleased to see their efforts recognised and rewarded by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”
Winners of this year’s Award were selected from 406 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.
