Prestigious Awards Set to Recognise Voluntary Effort

Both Awards recognise volunteering and will be the focus of a special information session open to anyone who would like to nominate a group on 28 June 2012 at Volunteer Now, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB, 2.30pm - 4.00pm.

Sandra Adair, Director of Policy & Capacity Building, Volunteer Now, explained, "The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, celebrating it's 10th Anniversary, is the highest Award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work carried out in their own communities and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award for 2012, a new Award to mark the Diamond Jubilee, will encourage nominations from national organisations, involved in volunteering activities, including the Olympic and Paralympic games and their legacy."

She added, "Volunteer Now has been represented on the local Assessment Panel since The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was established in 2002.  We are delighted that Dame Mary Peters will be joining us to share information about the new Award at our event.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn how you can apply for either Award and recognise the outstanding contributions made by groups of volunteers devoting their time for the benefit of others - we often hear that organisations couldn't exist without them, so if you know of an outstanding group of volunteers that you feel deserves recognition, come along and find out about the Awards."

To confirm your attendance contact Julie-Ann Ashe by email [email protected] or on 028 9081 8316 by 26 June 2012.

Applications are now open for both Awards.  For more information or to download a nomination form, go to www.direct.gov.uk/qavs