Volunteers from Smallshaw Tenants and Residents (STAR) group in Tameside received the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service at Manchester Monastery last week.
The award has been running since 2002 and aims to shine a light on the fantastic work by volunteers and voluntary groups from across the UK.
STAR has been supported with £52,900 in funding from the Jigsaw Foundation since it launched in 2019.
Residents Justine Hughes and Debbie Evans will attend the King’s Garden party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 07 May as part of their dedicated efforts in organising community events and activities for residents across Smallshaw.
The garden party is an opportunity for members of the Royal Family to speak to a broad range of people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community.
Justine and Debbie said: “We had a lovely day at the Monastery receiving our King’s award for the volunteering services. It was lovely to be recognised for our hard work and the activities we provide to the local community, and we are looking forward to the garden party.
“Residents in Smallshaw and Broadoak in Ashton face many challenges including health and wellbeing and financial difficulties. We pride ourselves in having an open-door policy to help the most vulnerable people.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support from Jigsaw Homes, Linda Whyatt and Carolyn Alston who are always there to offer support, help and advice when needed. As a voluntary group we rely on funding, and we have successfully gained funding from the Jigsaw Foundation to enable us to deliver our activities.”
