Fantastic news from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Ed
Earl Mountbatten Hospice is delighted to announce today (Thursday, 2 June 2016) that it has received royal recognition with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2016.
This prestigious accolade acknowledges the dedication and commitment of our 600 current volunteers, along with the many others across the Island who have given, and continue to give, their time for free in so many ways and on so many occasions.
The ‘MBE’ for volunteer groups
Known as the ‘MBE’ for volunteer groups, the award was created by the Queen in 2002, to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee.
It recognises excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
The announcement comes during national Volunteers’ Week (1-12 June, 2016) which celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. A celebratory afternoon tea is being held for volunteers at Earl Mountbatten Hospice on Friday 3 June, as an opportunity to celebrate both Volunteers’ Week and news of the Queen’s Award.
Volunteers shared their motivation
The application process began back in September 2015 and a visit from judges followed in January of this year. As part of the process, a number of volunteers from different parts of the organisation spoke to the high profile panel about their reasons and motivation for volunteering at the hospice.
Richard Dent, Volunteer Services Manager, said:
“They spoke in a very passionate and personal way about their unique experiences and it was very moving. They represented our volunteer service in a professional and caring manner and were fantastic ambassadors for the organisation. What they achieved during the judging was adding the personal touch, bringing alive the detail contained in the original application form.”
Work “very much admired”
Earl Mountbatten Hospice was told that the Independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, “very much admired” the work carried out by the volunteers and that the Queen’s Award represents a “tremendous achievement” for the organisation.
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive at Earl Mountbatten Hospice, said:
“This award recognises the dedication and commitment of everyone who gives up their time through volunteering, whether that be our dedicated army of regular volunteers, our staff who go above and beyond, or someone who supports our work more casually at one of our many events.
“With this award we also recognise the support of past volunteers and celebrate the unique place the hospice has in the hearts of our Island community.”
