‘MBE’s for local groups

Two local organisations have won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service –  the MBE for local groups.

Cre8 (pictured above), which provides services for young people in Macclesfield, and Chelford Tenants and Residents Association each received the award to recognise the work done by their dedicated volunteers.

Rob Wardle, Cre8’s director, said: “It is just hugely encouraging for all of us involved with Cre8 to receive this award.

“A lot of our work is with young people which can be exciting and fun, as well as disappointing and very draining at times.

“Volunteers and workers at Cre8 experience lots of ups and downs with what we’re trying to do, but when we take time to step back and look at our achievements, then it makes us smile.”

Chelford Tenants and Residents Association has also been honoured with the Queen’s Award for its work to combat social isolation among older people.

Michael Jehan, who chairs the association, said the award made him feel ‘very proud and privileged’.

He added: “It is a testament to the hard working volunteers who have made such a difference to our local people, and to our supporters without whom we would not exist.

“As well as providing a wide range of activities including a community garden project, social events, coach trips and computer classes we also support our mainly older tenants to improve their housing, local communities and lives generally.

“An example of the inspiring work undertaken is our most recent initiative ‘Ageing Well in Chelford’, which includes a digital discovery project and a new Little Free Library, one of only 15 currently in the UK.”

The two organisations will receive their awards later this summer from the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, KStJ.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “We fund both of these organisations because their volunteers do a lot to improve people’s lives and their work is of immense benefit to communities in Cheshire East.

“Cheshire East Council is pioneering new ways to tackle the root causes of problems in society and we regard active and dedicated voluntary groups as important allies.

“By helping young people to play an active role in their neighbourhoods, or helping older people to live independently and get the most out of life, they are doing a vital job.

“It is great to see their work being recognised at the highest level.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities.

The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.