Eight North West voluntary groups receive Queen's Award for voluntary service

A top award for the voluntary sector has been won by eight organisations in the North West representing groups that aim to divert children away from crime, help the elderly and disabled and support work in hospitals

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service recognises the vital role played by the hundreds of thousands of 'unsung heroes' in the voluntary and community sector.

Jacquie O'Neill, Chairman of the GONW Nomination Board said:

"We are delighted that the work of volunteers from all parts of the region have been recognised in these prestigious awards - and deservedly so. These 'unsung heroes' make a huge difference to the lives of so many people in the region. The wide range of winners illustrate just how both individuals and communities benefit - from counselling, learning and support to fellowship and fun.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was instigated in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee and acts as a lasting legacy with awards made every year.

This year's winners in the North West were:

* Aughton Ormskirk University of 3rd Age, Aughton, Ormskirk
The group was set up to provide opportunities for older people (50years+) to pursue an active retirement through inexpensive social, cultural and physical activities; and to provide a wide range of "lifelong" learning ops that will enhance personal wellbeing. The group provides over 100 study groups and cultural and social activities each month ranging from learning groups, dance and sport to holidays in Europe and the UK. All the activities are developed by volunteers whose efforts amount to over 3,500 hours of service each month.

* Barrow Dad's Group, Barrow - in - Furness

The group has developed a support network for local fathers and their children to offer a safe environment, which encourages bond and allows both father and child to benefit from a developing relationship. First set up to address the need for a venue for fathers and male carers who have access to children for the weekend. Programme has a direct influence on mental health of both; offers community based training ops encouraging employability and reducing crime. Empowers participants which has reflected positively on the wider community.

* Beacon Counselling, Stockport.

Provides wide range of counselling services to local residents. Set up in response to demand for quality counselling service in the area, volunteers are counsellors, some are trustees while others manage fundraising. Has delivered 2,200 hours of counselling per year.

* Callon Kid's Club, Preston
Created to develop activities, which divert children away from crime and give them aspirations through social inclusion. Set up to tackle high crime rate and deprivation; since inception, just over five years ago, crime has reduced by 54%; exceptional because it grew in the face of tremendous adversity, cynicism and lack of resources.

* Facing Life and Pain (F.L.A.P.) Whiston, Prescott.
Offers support to all chronic pain sufferers. Provides information, therapy support and social activities; originally set up by chronic pain suffers who had exhausted NHS provision but remained in discomfort.

* St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice, Winsford.

Supports patients, their relatives and staff within the hospice setting. Provides support and care for people with advanced illnesses and the bereaved with volunteers fulfilling a wide range of vital roles which enable the services of the group to be delivered.

* The Bridgend Centre, Bollington

Provides a focal point for individual support and community involvement. Initially set up to provide a warm and safe family atmosphere for isolated residents; Gives support and advice to the needy in the area, volunteers run the drop-in centre and charity shop as well as doing outreach work; provides a quality service at no cost to its users.

* Whitemoss Club for Young People, Blackley

Aims to support young children with disabilities in a socially active environment. Provides a focus and resource for young people - especially those with disabilities - including leisure, learning and entertainment. Exceptional because it has been around for 40 years and is real social landmark.