OPAL were delighted to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services on 2nd June 2020, during Volunteer Week. Jane Colville, OPAL Chair, acknowledged the work of all the volunteers who support the charity – “all our wonderful Volunteers have earned this very prestigious national award in recognition of their hard work, commitment and skill. It is such an honour to receive an award of this kind.”
During lockdown, our Volunteers have had to adapt to ensure we can still support older people and their Carers and they have done so swiftly and enthusiastically. With the help of telephone befriending, a weekly news publication and regular Zoom sessions with guest speakers we are managing to keep supporting”.
Cllr Val Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said, “It is wonderful news that OPAL Services have been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. OPAL volunteers provide vital services in some of our rural communities. I have volunteered with OPAL and I know just how much their work helps to reduce loneliness and keep people connected to their communities. All the volunteers and staff fully deserve this recognition of their commitment and dedication.”
To celebrate this news and in recognition of Volunteer Week, all OPAL volunteers received an OPAL goody bag with afternoon tea and are joining in a virtual Zoom thank you party at the end of the week.