HEALTHY VALLEYS RECEIVES QUEEN’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

 

 

Healthy Valleys was officially presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by Susan Lady Haughey CBE  – Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire at their Rooftop Rendezvous celebration of volunteering at the New Lanark Mill Hotel on Sunday 16th September 2018.  

 

The Queens Award is the highest merit that can be given to volunteer groups across the UK.  It recognises the value and commitment organisations have in involving volunteers to support and strengthen communities. 

 

To be nominated for the award Healthy Valleys had to show that the work they do  

  • provides a service and meets a need for people living in the local community 
  • is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it 
  • is run locally 

 

Healthy Valleys was nominated for the Award by Professor Annette Coburn of the University of the West of Scotland. Professor Coburn was particularly impressed by how Healthy Valleys is able to attract exceptional volunteers with a wide array of skills and experience which they share with others in the community to improve health and wellbeing. 

 

 

Professor Coburn’s nomination was assessed positively by a local panel and sent to the National Award Committee. The Committee recommended Healthy Valleys to the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which sent a final list to the Queen for her approval. 

 

Lesley McCranor, Executive Manager of Healthy Valleys said “Healthy Valleys’ volunteers provide a wide range of support to individuals, children, families, and older people in villages and towns far and wide across Clydesdale. From leading local walks to teaching cooking skills, supporting attendance at healthcare appointments or social activities, providing counselling and therapies, leading games and activities, our volunteers are essential in the work we do and are integrated within our Organisation.  Voluntary action, indeed strengthens our rural communities.” 

 

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire  Lady Haughey CBE  who presented  a bespoke domed glass crystal and certificate signed personally by the Queen to Chairwoman Anne Connor of Healthy Valleys ,  said ” I was delighted to  present this very prestigious and well deserved award to  Healthy Valleys and  I congratulate everyone involved in a  project which has made such a positive difference to the lives of so many people over the years . The project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through volunteering and I wish Healthy Valleys continued success for the future “.

 

Two representatives from Healthy Valleys had attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Holyrood Palace earlier in the summer. The Rooftop Rendezvous allowed staff and volunteers to come together to celebrate their achievement with their own garden party and afternoon tea.  

 

 

 

 

Posted by Gavin Whitefield