The highest award given to charitable organisations, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has been awarded to organisations across the UK, as the Minister for Civil Society and Youth hailed volunteers as “the backbone of local communities” during the national recovery from COVID-19.

Amongst them was the Colwyn Gateway Club which was praised for providing a safe and friendly place for disabled adults and Barmouth First Community Responders who were chosen for saving and enhancing lives as medical first responders ahead of the emergency services.

Many of those honoured have adapted their services to respond to the coronavirus outbreak as the voluntary sector continues to play a vital role in the national recovery. This has been recognised through a special designation given to 164 of the group for providing impactful support during the initial lockdown.

Coinciding with Volunteers’ Week, the Queen’s Award recognises that volunteers have been vital throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and will continue to be as the country emerges from lockdown.

Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Baroness Barran, has marked Volunteers’ Week with a series of visits to some of the exceptional organisations carrying out critical work.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Independent Committee Chair Sir Martyn Lewis, said:

"There is no finer example of democracy in action than people getting together at a local level to tackle a problem or issue at the heart of their community. This year’s magnificent award winning groups touch virtually every area of need across our society.

"They also highlight the growing and key role which volunteers are playing in times of rapid change and unprecedented challenges. Whether driven by a neighbourly passion to help others or to achieve that well recognised “high” of personal satisfaction, volunteering taps into a rich spirit of generosity, ingenuity and kindness.

"The Queen’s Award’s judges are proud to honour the achievements of those who help to make our country great.

Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Barran said: "I’m extremely grateful for the work being carried out by volunteers across the country, and this prestigious award is extremely well deserved. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners, and thank them for the dedication to their communities.

"In these challenging times, charities, social enterprises and their volunteers have been the backbone of local communities.

"Recent research has shown that 99% of people who have volunteered report positive personal benefits, including a sense of purpose, achievement and feeling as though they are making a difference. I hope today’s award inspires people and I encourage everyone to consider how they could volunteer in some way."