Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Haltwhistle Partnership is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award in 2022 which is extra special since we are celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Our work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. 

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their 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. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including: a rural support group for farmers in Shropshire; a community magazine addressing isolation in the Western Isles; a running club engaging all ages in County Tyrone; a film academy and community hub based in South Wales, and a food bank in Greater London feeding vulnerable individuals and providing training opportunities.

Representatives of the Haltwhistle Partnership will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Duchess of Northumberland, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland at a Garden Party for Volunteers and Carers at Alnwick Gardens in June. 11 volunteers from the Partnership's various projects will attend the event. In addition, two volunteers from the Partnership will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Julie Gibbon, Chairman of the Partnership says: “We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award. Whether it is litter picking, gardening, making tea, offering advice, running activities or trailblazing new ideas, we couldn’t achieve anything without our wonderful volunteers. This award is recognition for the efforts that everyone has contributed over the last 25 years and we are truly honoured to receive it.”