Youth groups honoured with Queen's voluntary service award

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's reign and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers. ?

For voluntary organisations, the awards are seen as the equivalent of an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), which is given to individuals through the Queen's honours system.

?Sporting group Mossley Juniors Football Club is among the groups to receive the national honour for inspiring young people to make a positive difference in their community, as is You Can Community Club in Greater Manchester for enhancing the lives of young disabled people through a range of youth services.

?Further recipients recognised for their voluntary work with children and young people include the 31 Squadron Air Cadets in Tower Hamlets, and the 1st and 6th Hounslow Brownies and 1st Hounslow Guides.?

Box Cleva in Hertfordshire was also named in the honours for instilling discipline, respect and healthy living in children through non-contact amateur boxing. The Bolton Scout Trust was recognised for encouraging and training volunteers to provide outdoor adventure opportunities for young people.?

?Sir Martyn Lewis, committee chair for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, said: “The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the very best of democracy in action.”??

Youth minister Rob Wilson added: “The huge amount of work and commitment these organisations put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer. ??

“I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a more compassionate society.”

??Organisations honoured for their voluntary work with children, young people and families include: