The Award is the highest given to local volunteer groups across the UK
It recognises outstanding work done in their own communities and is the equivalent of an M.B.E.
Our Award was formally presented by the Queen's representative, Ursula Russell, the Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, on 4 September 2015. The presentation took place in the stunningly beautiful St Mary’s Hall in Coventry which made the evening even more special. The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Michael Hammon.
The presentation was attended by Jenni McCartney, the national Chair of Samaritans, Cllr Ann Lucas, Leader of Coventry City Council, representatives of local organisations we work with and almost 70 of our volunteers. As well as receiving the Queen's Award the event also celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Samaritans services in Coventry - we took our first telephone call in December 1964.
Samaritans Volunteers, Chris (second left) and Joan (first right) following the presentation of the Queens Award by Deputy Lieutenant Ursula Russell (centre). Also shown are the Lord Mayor of Coventry (first left) and Colour Sergeant Thomas Attewell, Lord Lieutenant’s cadet (second right)
Award Winners receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal.
The certificate says "...We being cognisant of the said group’s outstanding voluntary work in the community and being desirous of showing Our Royal Favour do hereby confer upon it The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service by groups in the community 2015 for such period as the group continues to provide its current service..."
The city of Coventry is delighted and very proud that the exceptional work of the Samaritans locally has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen
Cllr Michael Hammon, Lord Mayor of Coventry 2015-16
