Voluntary groups to be recognised by Jubilee Award

Voluntary and community groups across the UK have three weeks left to send in their nominations for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.

This new Award underlines the importance attached to the work of groups in the voluntary and community sectors, and groups could receive a lasting memory of Jubilee year if they become one of up to 200 award winners.

Announcing the scheme to Parliament earlier this year, The Queen said: “I hope this will give added recognition to those whose generosity of time and energy in the service of others is such a remarkable tradition in our society.”

The award, equal in status to the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, is special because it recognises groups rather than individuals.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award will provide an opportunity to bring deserved recognition to the many people who work tirelessly throughout Northern Ireland to help their fellow citizens.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups of two or more people in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community. Groups must be nominated by 30 September.

Further details of the Award and nomination forms can be obtained at www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk by phoning 0845 000 2002.

A further boost to the voluntary sector is the announcement from the Department of Social Development (DSD) that a £250,000 funding package aimed at encouraging small voluntary and community groups is open for bids.

Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds said: “Small groups can make a big impact by helping to rebuild a sense of community in many of our disadvantaged areas.

“The further £250,000 of funding which I am announcing today follows more than £1 million which has already allocated to the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland.”

The DSD is inviting small groups with a relatively low annual income to apply for funding under the Active Community Initiative.

This programme is seeking applications from groups who can contribute to rebuilding a sense of community by encouraging a greater degree of volunteering and community involvement. Successful applicants are likely to receive funding of approximately £5,000 over one year.

Copies of the application pack can be obtained electronically at www.active-community.org or from the Volunteer Development Agency on 028 9023 6100.

(GMcG)