A CHARITY supporting some of Farnham’s most isolated older people has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK.

Farnham ASSIST is among eight voluntary groups in Surrey to have their outstanding contributions recognised in 2017 with the prestigious honour, which is the equivalent of the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their community for the benefit of others.

Since 2002, ASSIST has been offering support to older people in Farnham, who may become isolated from friends and neighbours. It does this by organising one-to-one visits, a Pie & Pint Club for men, computer classes, monthly roast lunches, a ladies’ pub lunch, Knit ’n’ Natter sessions and many other events.

Commenting on the Queen’s Award, Farnham ASSIST manager June Trantom said: “Farnham ASSIST is thrilled and delighted to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. It is awarded for outstanding achievement by groups who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the lives of others.

“This award reflects the hard work of our volunteers and supporters since 2002, and we would like to reaffirm our thanks for being a vital part of this recognition.”

As well as ASSIST, the other groups in Surrey to receive the award this year are: Forest Estate Community Hub Volunteers Group, Freewheelers Theatre and Media Limited, Headway Surrey, Oakleaf Enterprise, Royal Holloway University of London Community Action, Surrey Playing Fields Association, and The Normandy Therapy Garden.

Announced earlier this month, these Surrey groups will each receive a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal - to be presented by Her Majesty’s representative in Surrey, the Lord-Lieutenant Mr Michael More-Molyneux, at a series of special ceremonies.

The groups were also invited to send representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey added: “Again this year, I have been humbled and impressed by the levels of volunteering in our county. Without doubt, the volunteers in these eight groups together reflect extraordinary levels of commitment and selfless contributions that make a real difference in their communities, and they deserve our gratitude and congratulations.

“These dedicated individuals are the key to inspiring others – across Surrey – to get involved in volunteering and to make a valuable contribution to those around them.

“We want to encourage even more nominations in Surrey for Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service in 2018. If you know of an inspiring voluntary group, please visit qavs.direct.gov.uk/ to find out how to nominate.”

These eight Surrey groups are among the 224 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups throughout the UK to receive the prestigious award in 2017, chosen from more than 500 nominations.

It comes just a year after Frensham Pond Sailability was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, having provided thousands of sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses since 2001.