Forward Assist volunteers in North Tyneside have been honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The multi-award-winning charity supports military veterans as they transition from service to civilian life.
North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon said:
“this is a richly deserved tribute to years of hard work by Forward Assist in one of the country’s main military recruitment regions. Those who have served our country so well deserve support in civvy street, which is sometimes very difficult for them.”
Susan Winfield, Lord-Lieutenant, commented:
“I am delighted that Forward Assist have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2020, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This organisation is a nationally recognised charity for military veterans and whose local activities have been showcased as far afield as the USA. My warmest congratulations to all those who have played a part in achieving this honour.”
Forward Assist Founder and Chief Executive Tony Wright said:
“We are delighted that the commitment of our volunteers has been recognised. We work shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers to provide the best interventions to those military veterans struggling with the transition to civilian life. By focusing on connection and post-traumatic growth we ensure veterans and their families can live great lives, filled with passion, purpose, service, connection and growth.”
Forward Assist is one of 230 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups receiving the award this year. The high number of nominations shows that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to improve life for those around them.
Forward Assist will receive the award from Sue Winfield, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear this summer. Two Forward Assist volunteers will attend a Buckingham Palace garden party in May 2021 with other recipients.
The Queen’s Award recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2
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 community shop in Cornwall, an environmental group in Swansea, a group working with refugees and vulnerable people in Stirling and a thriving community arts centre in County Down.
