HOME-START West Somerset celebrated a special event when it was officially given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018 last Wednesday (September 19).
Almost 70 people gathered at The Hub in Minehead to see Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, present the award – the highest given to local volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work in their communities.
“It’s a wonderful accolade that represents 16 years of hard work, dedication and enjoyment of supporting and helping families in West Somerset,” said Clare Pound, manager of Home-Start West Somerset.
“We are all so thrilled and completely overwhelmed to be bestowed this great honour.
“It feels like the perfect compliment to all our magnificent, devoted and enthusiastic volunteers,” she added.
The organisation was presented with a crystal trophy and a certificate signed by the Queen. Deputy Lord Lieutenants Jane Sedgman and Rear Admiral Ian Montcrieff also assisted in the presentation.
The event, which included the organisation’s annual meeting, had speeches from Home-Start volunteers and families, who said how much it had meant to them.
“It was very moving to hear their personal stories and how Home-Start has helped improve the lives of them and their children,” said Clare.
She said Home-Start West Somerset has not only supported families, it has energised a whole community, with people coming forward to undertake training, become family volunteers, and commit themselves to provide help to others face to face within the family home.
A new Home-Start volunteer training course is starting on Wednesday (October 3). For further information contact 01643 707304.