The Conservation Volunteers in Belfast have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) connects people to the green spaces that form a vital part of any healthy, happy community. The charity aims to bring people together to create, improve and care for their local green spaces.
TCV is one of 230 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. 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.
Helen Tomb, Operations Leader said ‘We are absolutely thrilled to win the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. TCV strives to provide positive opportunities for volunteers to engage with community projects to improve their local environment and their own physical and mental wellbeing. This award is a great achievement for all those who devote their time and energy to making a difference. Many thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers’.
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.
TCV in Belfast works with volunteers and communities across the city to connect people with their local green spaces. Projects include tree planting, creating wildlife gardens and outdoor classrooms in schools, and introducing people to growing their own food through their Green Gym programme. They also deliver training and employability support, helping volunteers gain new skills and experiences and working towards employment in the environmental sector.
Representatives from TCV in Belfast will receive the award from Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Lord Lieutenant of Belfast later this summer. Furthermore, two volunteers from TCV Belfast will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.