A CHARITY in Reading is among those given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Alana House has been commended with the prestigious award, which honours those who devote their services to voluntary work.
The charity was given the award in recognition if its work supporting women in a number of ways, including help with children and family, finance and debt, abuse and violence, and health.
The award, which was created to honour the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon a charity in the UK, and is the equivalent of an MBE.
Alana House is among three charities in Berkshire to receive the award, along with Homestart, which helps vulnerable families across West Berkshire, and The Ark Trust, which supports those with disabilities in Bracknell.
All three will be presented with a crystal award and signed certification at an award ceremony later this year.
Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, commented: “I am delighted that 3 Berkshire charities have been recognised and granted a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for all their hard and valuable work in the county this year.
“I have been most impressed by the commitment shown to improve the quality of life of those whom they have been helping.”
This year, more than 240 charities will be commended by the awards.
Since the inaugural awards in 2002, Berkshire has been home to 87 winners.
“The volunteering ethos appears to be alive and well here in Berkshire and I hope that this will lead to many more local charities being nominated for this prestigious Award next year and in the years to come.”
