Forever Stars is one of six volunteer organisations in Nottinghamshire whose work has been recognised by The King’s Award for Voluntary Service today (14th November).
The organisations all led by volunteers, have been honoured with the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK for their outstanding contribution to their communities.
The King’s Award is equivalent to an MBE and this year the region has collected the highest number of awards ever bestowed in Nottinghamshire and the most of any of the East Midlands counties. The nationwide awards are presented annually in the UK and were first introduced by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.
The winners of the Award are:
Beeston based Forever Stars, actively supports families in a safe environment to take positive steps forward following baby loss.
Nottingham Based Friends and Bedrins Cancer Support Group (FAB) whose volunteers provide education and awareness of prostrate cancer while supporting African/Carribean men and their families
Sutton-in-Ashfield based The Sherwood Observatory whose volunteers provide observatory and planetarium services with learning and skills development for the local community.
East Leake Community Care Association whose volunteers have been supporting the local community with extensive services throughout the year for over 50 years.
Riders Minds – a Nottinghamshire based charity whose volunteers are dedicated to supporting and improving the mental health of those working in the equestrian industry.
My Bag whose volunteers work both in the City of Nottingham and in Nottinghamshire to improve the experience of children entering into care
All organisations are volunteer led.
The six Nottinghamshire organisations are amongst 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, are a reminder of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Representatives of the charities will receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Veronica Pickering, the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.