Youth homelessness charity Centrepoint has received a one-off reward in recognition of the outstanding work of its volunteers.
The one-off award was created to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and 20 years of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
Centrepoint volunteers work with the homeless young people the charity supports in a number of ways, including mentoring, via its national youth homelessness Helpline and by assisting as they get ready to live independently.
Tyla lives in one of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme homes and has been working with a volunteer recently as he settled into his new home and looked to find work.
Tyla said: “I really benefitted from the support and advice from my volunteer Independent Living Advisor. It was great to have somebody that I could talk to and their guidance helped me apply for and secure an Apprentice Role.”
James Hamilton has been volunteering for Centrepoint and working with young people like Tyla as an Independent Living Advisor.
James said: “As a volunteer, I have really appreciated the support Centrepoint has provided since I started, especially putting on several training courses to help us learn and prepare for building a positive relationship with a young person. In my experience it has been great to see a young person who has a real appreciation for Centrepoint but also now has the desire to want to progress and start becoming more self-sufficient.”
Kris Heskett, Centrepoint’s Volunteering Manager, said: “Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award is a fantastic recognition of the efforts and passion Centrepoint staff and volunteers give every day to support and empower the young people that come to us for help. I’m always struck by how humble our volunteers are.
“The roles they fill are absolutely vital and they’re always putting the needs of young people first without ever expecting anything in return. I know they will feel proud of this achievement and I hope it encourages more people to get involved with Centrepoint and our work supporting young people trying to leave homelessness behind.”
The annual award is givento around 250 awardees every year – but this Jubilee Award aimed to recognise 20 national charities whose work empowers young people aged 16 – 25 and volunteers play a key role.
Applications were open in the summer and judged by a panel including members from each UK nation, two youth representatives and Chair of QAVS broadcaster Sir Martyn Lewis CBE.
Each awarded charity will receive a handwritten certificate with The King’s signature to be presented at an event in 2023. Representatives of the charity will also be invited to a Royal Garden Party.
