Four organisation in Kent can celebrate this Volunteers' Week knowing they have been selected for a prestigious award from the Queen.

Broadstairs Town Team, Nourish Community Food Bank in Tunbridge Wells, Home-start Medway, and the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne have each been chosen to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The quartet are among 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the accolade this year.

The award is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups and recognises their outstanding community work.

In Tunbridge Wells, Nourish Community Foodbank says it has been blown away by the support shown by this award.

The group is a lifeline for disadvantaged people in the community providing emergency food and toiletries.

It also gives advice and signposts agencies to help with benefits, debt management, housing, employment and domestic violence.

Operation Manager, Dawn Stanford says she is delighted the efforts of the 70 volunteers have been recognised, especially at this time.

She said: "We have been blown away by the award. We were honoured to be nominated and we didn't think we would get it as there were so many other awesome organisations in the running.

"I've always known how awesome the volunteers are so it's nice for them to get some recognition."

She added: "Since lockdown was called our volunteers have been working overtime. Our referrals doubled in a week so this boost has come at the right time."

After finding out the good news, the Broadstairs Town Team expressed its gratitude on Facebook saying "No words. Well, just one. #proud."

The team's 160 volunteers look after the wellbeing of older disabled residents and encourage the improvement of local community spaces.

It also has a dedicated “Town Shed” fitted out for teaching woodworking skills, with additional artwork and social spaces.

The Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne (HRGS) undertakes a range of activities on behalf of the community.

It is operated entirely by volunteers aged between 14 and 100 who help run events, archaeological excavations and staff the Heritage Hub in the town centre.

The group's President Paul Auston said: “I am delighted HRGS has been recognised at a national level in this way. The group has successfully engaged with people of all backgrounds and abilities to promote local heritage in the Swale and surrounding areas, and I am proud to be associated with everyone.

"Their sterling work in promoting local history is enviable, but it is the way that they have been able to inspire a whole range of volunteers to carry out that work which is exceptional. The award is well deserved and long may they continue to prosper and carry on the good work.”

More than 60 trained and accredited volunteers from Home-start Medway are also celebrating the win.

The charity supports challenged families with complex needs and ensures parents who are struggling receive the help they need to give their children the best start in life.

The group said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this award and would like to pay tribute to the continued hard work and commitment of our volunteers, they are truly an amazing bunch."

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups who benefit their local communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

The groups will be presented with the award by The Lady Colgrain, Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, one of Her Majesty’s official representatives in the county.

The Lady Colgrain said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service honours the finest examples of volunteering.

“These four organisations richly deserve royal recognition for all the wonderful work they are doing to help their community, particularly its most vulnerable and challenged. Their achievements are impressive and heart-warming.

“Volunteering is close to my heart because I know from personal experience how valuable and essential it is to a caring society. That’s the case at any time but especially so during the coronavirus crisis. We are all grateful to the many volunteers who have been helping others during these difficult days.

“I thank everyone who is doing their bit for the community at this and other times. Our four winners are role models for volunteering and I’m sure their fine example will inspire others. I hope it will encourage nominations of other groups that are also doing good work across our county.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to presenting The Queen’s Award to each of this year’s winners when restrictions are eased.”

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