Calls for nominations for Queen's Award

RICHARD Jewson, the Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk today called for nominations for the 2010 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, as new research reveals the majority of those across the wider East Anglia region believe voluntary groups aren't acknowledged enough publically for the outstanding work they do.

The findings come from the first annual 'Volunteering Index', a report commissioned for the award to uncover the nation's voluntary habits. It shows more than a quarter in the East of England take time out to volunteer at least once a month.

Youth, education and the elderly are the focus of most of the of the region's voluntary activities. While more than a quarter of volunteers across East Anglia spend time working with young people and children, 17pc get involved in projects to benefit the local area and 14pc help older people.

Commenting on the findings, Mr Jewson said: “There are great rewards to be had from volunteering, whether personal achievement and the development of new skills or a deeper connection with your local community, but it's clear many in Norfolk believe those whose tireless effort to benefit others is also recognised publically.

“Although this doesn't tend to be a goal of selfless volunteer groups themselves, celebrating exceptional work with such a prestigious national honour as the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service can prove invaluable to continued success, support and donations, and help boost the profile of volunteering in Norfolk generally. If you know a group, do get out there and nominate.”

More than 600 groups around the UK have now won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, over the six years since it was created by Her Majesty as a National Honour equivalent to the MBE to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. They include 15 from Norfolk.

For more information on the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and how to nominate a group, visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk.