The award is given to groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.
The winners of this award have been invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
They will also receive an ornamental English crystal from the local Lord Lieutenant, presented on behalf of the Queen, and a certificate signed by the Queen, recognising this achievement.
MAPS Manager, Helen Gasparelli, said:
‘It is an honour and a privilege for MAPS to have received this award, on behalf of the outstanding work of our volunteer mentors and team who selflessly give their time to the most vulnerable in their community. We are looking forward to sharing the award with the MAPS team volunteers, and friends at our VCS Garden Party to be held later this month’.
MAPS trains local volunteers to support vulnerable, disadvantaged young people, often with multiple, complex needs, so that they can build resilience, improve their self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to enjoy a healthy, successful life and to play an active, positive part in their community.
Past beneficiaries of the programme have commented:
“(my mentor is) like Nanny Mcfee: when you need her but don’t want her she is always there, but when you want her but don’t need her it’s time for her to go.”