Joy for community group in winning a ‘volunteer MBE’
MEMBERS of a youth and community programme are celebrating after seeing it win the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
Cre8 works with children and young people on the Moss estate in Macclesfield, offering alternative education, activities and qualifications for those who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity.
Based at St Barnabas Church on Lyme Avenue, the project is run by volunteers.
Rob Wardle, director of Cre8, said the award – which is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities – was ‘well-deserved recognition’ for ‘committed, passionate and dedicated’ volunteers.
He added: “I cannot express how pleased I am for the volunteers, young people, families and workers who have put so much of themselves into this project over the last 10 years.
“They have been a huge blessing to each other and to our God who looks over them. They all very much deserve it.
“It is encouragement and recognition for commitment to others, as the Queens Award themselves say ‘the equivalent of an MBE for a grass-roots charity’ .”
From small beginnings, Cre8 has grown to be a significant part of the neighbourhood.
Rob added: “It is just hugely encouraging for all of us involved with Cre8 to receive this award.
“A lot of our work is with young people which can be exciting and fun, as well as disappointing and very draining at times.
“Volunteers and workers at Cre8 experience lots of ups and downs with what we’re trying to do, but when we take time to step back and look at our achievements, then it makes us smile.”
Cre8 provides activities for young people including music tuition, cycling, cooking, arts and crafts and education.
It will be celebrating its achievement at the Cre8 Festival on June 13 and 19. For more information visit www.cre8festival.org.
Cre8 is one of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.
The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Cre8 will receive the award from David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, later this year.