Autism Bedfordshire awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups
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An autism charity in Bedfordshire has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Autism Bedfordshire is a local charity specialised in supporting autistic adults, children and their families, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.

The charity, who celebrate their 30th anniversary next year, work tirelessly to reduce isolation and provide practical and emotional support; increase skills, resilience and social communication and improve confidence and empowerment.

Autism Bedfordshire has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary ServiceAutism Bedfordshire has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Autism Bedfordshire has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers lead and contribute across all services from the Trustee board setting the vision and direction, autistic adults co-delivering training, two charity shops; a suite of children and family clubs including their double awarded Ofsted Outstanding Summer Schemes and adult social clubs, accredited skills courses, employment support and wellbeing groups.

Emma Reade, CEO of Autism Bedfordshire, said: “We are thrilled that our dedicated volunteers have been recognised with this prestigious award.

"Last year 235 volunteers gave nearly 30,000 hours of their time, using their passion and specialist expertise to enrich the lives directly of 400 children, 150 adults and a further 1,000 across remote services."

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Nationally, 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups have received the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.

Lainey Montgomery, Chair of Autism Bedfordshire, said: “We are so honoured to be awarded. "My fellow volunteers are truly amazing and make this charity what it is by supporting and empowering autistic people across Bedfordshire to have better lives, better futures.

"We are eternally grateful and overjoyed to celebrate this achievement."

Helen Nellis, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire will present the award later this year. Furthermore two volunteers from Autism Bedfordshire will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

The number of Award nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.

Volunteer Kia said: “Autism Beds is like my second family. The parents, children and co-workers are so friendly.

"I started volunteering with them to help others, gain experience and make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as gaining knowledge of autism and building my confidence.”

During this time of crisis, the charity’s services have been adapted to continue to support those in need and meet ever changing demands and be there for families and adults more than ever.

For more information about Autism Bedfordshire, visit: www.autismbedfordshire.net.