The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award that a voluntary group in the UK can receive. The INS are one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Luke Donovan, Chair and Peggy Lyons, Vice–Chair proudly represented the INS earlier this year by attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The INS were officially presented with the award by the Vice Lord–Lieutenant Richard Beazley DL at the Stevenage Borough Council Chambers on Thursday 17 October. The INS was joined by Lord Bill and Lady Diane McKenzie, Rachel Ingersoll from the Embassy of Ireland, Tom and Roisin Scanlan from Luton Irish Forum, the INS trustees and a few of their members.
They were also joined by the Mayor of Stevenage Cllr Simon Speller, the Leader of the Council Cllr Sharon Taylor and other local Councillors. The award highlights how the INS help to alleviate the devastating impact of social isolation with older members of the community.
By arranging many different activities including monthly social and cultural events with live music, day trips which are all great fun. They have seen a steady increase in attendance at each of them and currently support approximately 100 plus people per month.
All these activities are designed to cater for older people and include carers, housebound members and vulnerable elders. In addition to this they run a very active Care in the Community outreach programme which provides support to the more vulnerable members in our Community. They make approximately 700 home visits per year.
Luke Donovan, Chair of the INS says “We have worked hard to support the most vulnerable members of our community and with our fantastic volunteers who give over 6,000 hours a year, they give their time freely and run all our activities and our Care in the Community home visiting scheme.”
He also added “I accept this award on behalf of them and all our members that have made the INS what it is today.”
Please get in touch with the INS should you like any further information about the support they provide to older members of the local community.
Tel 01438 725400, email ins@irishnetworkstevenage.org.uk or on Facebook or Twitter.