Right royal recognition
Renfrewshire groups honoured with Queen’s Award
Alison Rennie
A trio of hard working Renfrewshire groups have been rewarded with a Q u e e n ’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The award is the highest accolade given to voluntary groups in the UK and has been given to I Am Me Scotland, Crisis Counselling and St Vincent’s Hospice in recognition of the hard work, dedication and support of their volunteers.
I Am Me Scotland, which is based in Paisley, works with Police Scotland to tackle disability hate crime by changing attitudes and behaviours so that disabled and vulnerable people can feel safe within their communities.
Their work is supported by Renfrewshire Council, the Crown Office and the procurator fiscal service.
Eileen MacLean, chair of the charity board said: “We are delighted to receive the Queen’s award and are extremely grateful for all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers and our team, determined to make a difference.”
Chief Superintendent John McKenzie added: “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 recognise the valuable contribution that our long standing partners have made in raising awareness of and tackling disability hate crime.
“I would further like to applaud their dedicated volunteers on their outstanding contributions both locally and nationally in keeping people safe in Scotland’s communities.
“The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is welldeserved recognition for all involved.”
Crisis Counselling in Erskine offers children and adults direct access to a range of mental health support services in the community while St Vincent’s Hospice volunteers devote their time, skills and experience to support patients and families living with life limiting conditions.
Each group was presented with their award from Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark during a civic reception at the Glynhill Hotel, hosted by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron.
She said: “I was proud and delighted to host a civic reception for three local groups who received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in the community.
“It was wonderful to meet some of the volunteers in person from I Am Me Scotland, Crisis Counselling and St Vincent’s Hospice.
“It is a t remendous achievement to receive this award, and highlights that the service, commitment and care shown by these very different groups has had a profound impact on our local communities.
“The value of volunteering and the difference it can make can’t be overstated, and I hope that more people in Renfrewshire will feel inspired to get involved with local groups.
“It is such a rewarding experience and can change someone’s life.”
It is a tremendous achievement for the groups to receive this award