Storey congratulates Co. Antrim winners of a national award for Volunteering

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has paid tribute to Ahoghill in Bloom, Randalstown Arches Association Limited and The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland all of whom received the national Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The 2015 Award recognises the outstanding contribution that volunteers make to their local communities. The volunteering activity carried out by this year’s winners range from health and social care to protecting and enhancing urban areas, rivers and the countryside.

Minister Storey said: “This has been an exceptional year for volunteering in Northern Ireland with 15 voluntary groups, the highest number ever, receiving an award for voluntary service from Her Majesty the Queen. All of these organisations must be extremely proud that their invaluable work has been recognised at the very highest level.

“The contribution that volunteers make in society cannot be underestimated. Volunteers give freely of their time, putting their local community at the heart of everything they do. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to these organisations, and every other volunteering group, and hope that these awards inspire others to participate in volunteering.”

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen's coronation and is regarded as the MBE equivalent for volunteer groups.

Ahoghill in Bloom initiates environmental transformation through a range of partnerships including with local residents, businesses and statutory agencies.

Randalstown Arches Association Limited plans and implements a wide range of social, environmental and educational developments and improvements.

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is dedicated to the preservation, maintenance and operation of steam locomotives and vintage rolling stock on the mainline railways of Ireland.

Notes to editors: 

1. The following organisations also received an award:
   • Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullyish Community Association
   • Care in Crisis
   • Newry and Portadown Branch, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland
   • Redrock Development Partnership Tuesday Club
   • Building Ballysally Together
   • Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group
   • Clooney Hall Volunteer Group
   • Foyle Civic Trust
   • SSAFA Londonderry Division
   • Western Health and Social Care Trust Volunteering Service
   • Age NI
   • Men United
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