Seniors Centre gets royal nod with award
Castlemilk charity to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
A charity that proves age is no barrier to fun and friendship is to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary organisation can obtain.
The Senior Centre in Castlemilk has been given the royal seal of approval after being nominated for the award by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty,
The well- known centre for senior citizens has a proud record of addressing the loneliness and isolation older people can experience by offering social events, excursions and a range of learning opportunities.
Run by a team of 10 staff, the centre is supported by 35 volunteers who offer highly valued advice, company, friendship and activities to almost 500 over 60s.
They provide a variety of classes, ranging from IT and reminiscence to arts and crafts and exercise.
Many aged over 60 themselves, the volunteers also help organise a number of excursions across Scotland and holidays to places such as the Lake District and Blackpool.
Melanie O’Donnell, manager of The Senior Centre, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our team of hardworking, dedicated volunteers have been recognised in such a special way for all that they do within our organisation. Most of our volunteers are members of the centre themselves and contribute so much without realising how vital their help is.
“Our older volunteers have vast life experience, skills and knowledge that is utilised in a variety of ways across our centre. It’s a pleasure to lead and work with them for they bring happiness to so many older people who depend on us daily for socialisation and friendship.”
Husband and wife volunteers John Millmaker, 76, and Margaret, 70, will represent the centre at a garden party at Holyrood on July 5 where they will meet the Queen.
The Senior Centre meanwhile will receive its award from the Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, later this summer.
Ms Docherty said: “I’m delighted that the centre has received recognition from Her Majesty the Queen for the sterling work of its volunteers.
“The centre is well known and loved in Castlemilk, offering company, friendship and fun activities for elderly people across the community. It really is an important lifeline for older people who can feel isolated and anxious. The centre also assist members by helping them access benefits and other help and entitlements. It also provides meals and organises social events.
“My thanks, on behalf of the city, to all the volunteers and everyone involved in the centre for making it such a great place.”
The Seniors Centre is among 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups that will receive the royal award this year.
The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.