New Hope is proud to announce that they have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) 2017. The prestigious award recognises excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community and has previously been received by charities such as Age UK and The British Red Cross.
New Hope co-founder, Sheila Meaning , was also honoured on the same day, with the British Empire Medal, for services to Homeless People in Watford.
Chairman of Trustees, John Ford says:
“New Hope has such a wonderful team of volunteers and we know just how important they are to our work. We are absolutely delighted that this dedicated and committed group of people have been recognised and honoured in this way”
New Hope has grown over 27 years to now providing accommodation each night for 60 people and helps hundreds more each year with advice as well as essentials such as food and clothing. We also offer opportunities for education, pathways into employment and rehabilitation after substance misuse.
New Hope’s many volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the charity’s services can operate effectively. This is done in many ways, from serving in our Watford and Croxley Green charity shops, helping to cook and serve food throughout the week at our emergency night shelter and drop-in day centre, to helping to run training courses and creative sessions at our Community Market Garden. There are delivery drivers, laundry workers and many others – all playing their part. It’s a huge team effort.