Storey congratulates Co. Londonderry winners of a national award for Volunteering

Date published: 5 June 2015

The 2015 Award recognises the outstanding contribution that volunteers make to their local communities. The volunteering activity carried out by this year’s winners range from health and social care to protecting and enhancing urban areas, rivers and the countryside.

Minister Storey said: “This has been an exceptional year for volunteering in Northern Ireland with 15 voluntary groups, the highest number ever, receiving an award for voluntary service from Her Majesty the Queen. All of these organisations must be extremely proud that their invaluable work has been recognised at the very highest level.

“The contribution that volunteers make in society cannot be underestimated. Volunteers give freely of their time, putting their local community at the heart of everything they do. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to these organisations, and every other volunteering group, and hope that these awards inspire others to participate in volunteering.”

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen's coronation and is regarded as the MBE equivalent for volunteer groups.

Building Ballysally Together improves the social and environmental conditions for local residents of Ballysally and promotes community cohesion within the estate.

Clooney Hall Volunteer Group offers support to the elderly and parents of young children a listening ear and an opportunity to connect with the wider community.

Foyle Civic Trust protects and enhances urban and rural areas; supporting excellence in new design, and advancing knowledge and public interest in heritage.

SSAFA, Londonderry Division provides support for the Armed Forces and their families, in Londonderry County and City and in County Tyrone.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust Volunteering Service enables the local community to volunteer, both in hospital and community facilities that enhance the experience of patients and clients.