A Leicestershire charity has been honoured with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
The award is the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, will present the charity, Menphys, with the crystal rose bowl and certificate later in summer.
Menphys supports children and young people with disabilities across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Jennifer, Lady Gretton, President of Menphys, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Menphys has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
"It is testament to the work of so many people, in particular our outstanding team of volunteers, who have been providing support and greater choices to local children and their families for over 50 years.”
Two members of the Menphys team will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022 along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of Trustees, explained: ”Menphys makes a vital contribution to the lives of children and families across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, where we are continually developing and evolving services to meet changing and growing needs.
"This Award is a wonderful recognition of the work of all our volunteers and staff, and the generosity and support of local people.”
Menphys is one of 241 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
Ian Caldwell, Menphys CEO, said: ”Our volunteers, like those in all charities, are a key part of our team, helping us to deliver vital support and respite to families.
"The Queen’s Award is a wonderful tribute to many years of tireless work and commitment from so many people.”
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse.
They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including an inclusive tennis club in Lincolnshire; a children’s bereavement charity in London; a support group for those living with dementia and their carers in North Yorkshire; a volunteer minibus service in Cumbria; a group supporting young people in Belfast; a community radio station in Inverness and a mountain rescue team in Powys.
