HM Queen Recognises Local Charity Volunteers - 2006

The volunteers of Gloucestershire County Association for the Blind have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2006 – one of only 103 voluntary organisations throughout the UK to be recognised in this way this year.  The award is announced on the 2^nd June each year, the anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty. 

All winners have been nominated by members of the public who have either benefited from their work, or seen the positive effect on their community. The Award is only given to those groups where volunteers are judged to have regularly devoted their time to providing an outstanding level of help to other people.

The Award is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who:

• regularly devote their time to helping others in the community
• improve the quality of life and opportunity for others
• provide an outstanding service

GCAB supports 3000 sight impaired people throughout Gloucestershire has been recognised for the contribution made by the “unsung Heroes” who volunteer week in week out.

The Award entitles winners to use the Unsung Heroes Logo and in due course GCAB will be presented with a certificate and a trophy by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Mr Henry Elwes.

Representatives of the Association are expected to receive an invitation from the Queen to a Garden party at Buckingham Palace in July.

Congratulations have been received from HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Royal Patron of GCAB who said ““I send my warmest congratulations to the trustees, volunteers and staff of the Gloucestershire County Association for the Blind on The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service being awarded today.  This award acknowledges the work that volunteers do in regularly devoting time to help others in the community, providing an outstanding service and improving the quality of life and opportunity for others.

Mr Henry Elwes, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire said "I congratulate all the volunteers of the Gloucestershire County Association for the Blind for achieving The Queen's Award for Volunteers for 2006.  The visually impaired of the County are fortunate indeed to have the dedicated support of so many who give to them their time and help."

Marcus Green Director of GCAB said “I am absolutely thrilled on behalf of everyone who gives their time to help the visually impaired of Gloucestershire – this honour is the highest recognition for the work of the volunteers that can be imagined.  On behalf of our clients and staff I would like to thank all the volunteers who make a huge difference in so many ways from the people who visit clients, to those who help at the hospitals and those who make a difference as trustees or who help in our resource centre in Cheltenham. 

We are so proud of our volunteers, they enhance the life of the organisation and I am so grateful for all they do in supporting our clients.  Calling our volunteers “Unsung Heroes,” sums up what they do so very well and we are lucky to have so many people willing to help out in so many practical ways.”

Christine Wisdom Volunteer Manager GCAB said “There is an ongoing need for volunteers within GCAB.  At the moment we need volunteers to visit sight impaired people all over the county.  We need volunteers to help with our fundraising and in the hospitals.  We try very hard to place volunteers in roles where they will find the most satisfaction.  We nurture our volunteers and actively involve them in the organisation.  The volunteering we offer is extremely enjoyable as many of our volunteers stay with us for many years.