Award joy for Paisley charity
A Paisley charity has been honoured with a top award for its work in tackling disability hate crime.
I Am Me Scotland, based at Cotton Street in the town, is delighted to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Volunteer Groups.
This achievement is the highest accolade given to voluntary groups in the UK and is recognition for all of the hard work, dedication and support from the volunteers.
The charity, works in partnership with police to tackle hate crime by changing attitudes so that disabled and vulnerable people can feel safe within their communities.
The work is supported by Renfrewshire Council and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Eileen MacLean, chair of the Charity Board, stated “We are delighted to receive the Queens award and extremely grateful for all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers and our team, determined to make a difference”
Chief Supt John McKenzie said : “I would personally and on behalf of Police Scotland like to congratulate ‘ I Am Me Scotland’ on their recent Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“I would further like to applaud their dedicated volunte e r s o n their outstanding contributions both locally and nationally in keeping people safe in Scotland’s communities. The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is well- deserved recognition for all involved.”
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, added: “It’s fantastic news that the charity has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade that can be awarded to volunteer groups across the UK.
“It’s testament to the hard work of all the staff and dedicated volunteers, as well as recognition of their commitment to tackling disability hate crime in new and innovative ways.
“The Queen’s Award is a true demonstration of the success they have had in increasing awareness and delivering programmes such as the Keep Safe initiative, that are making a real difference to people’s lives, both across Renfrewshire and Scotland.”