Buckingham Palace has today announced The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service winners for 2021 and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, is delighted that one voluntary organisation in Bedfordshire has been recognised.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.
Nationally, 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups have received the prestigious award this year and since its inception in 2002, 40 awards have been made in Bedfordshire. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The following Bedfordshire organisation was successful this year:
Luton Council of Faiths
Luton Council of Faiths is a voluntary group committed to encouraging and promoting tolerance, respect and mutual understanding among people of all faiths and cultures, both in Luton and beyond. Working alongside a diverse array of agencies, organisations and community groups in matters relating to community cohesion, Luton Council of Faiths delivers a number of community events and initiatives including, but not exclusive to, the Annual Luton Peace Walk, musical concerts, public discussions, recreational sport projects, conservation work and public vigils.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis said: “I am delighted that Luton Council of Faiths has been recognised by HM The Queen who has honoured the fantastic volunteers with the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service. We are exceptionally fortunate in Bedfordshire that so many wonderful people give their time freely and generously for the benefit of others. Luton Council of Faiths is doing a tremendous job of reaching out to the various groups within our community and helping people to live in peace and harmony. My sincere congratulations to all at Luton Council of Faiths; I look forward to presenting them with their award”.
To nominate a group or find out more, please visit the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service website at: http://qavs.culture.gov.uk/
