The Haven Community Project of The Salvation Army has become the first charity in Portsmouth to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is also the only charity in Hampshire to be awarded this honour in 2008.
This particular branch of the Salvation Army is also the first to receive this prestigious award within the Salvation Army as a whole, rewarding its volunteers and staff for their continuous devotion to helping to improve the lives of others in the local area. The charity will be receiving a certificate signed by The Queen and a commemorative crystal for display in the centre.
The award was first started in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
Volunteers from the Portsmouth charity, named ‘The Haven’ which includes a Good Neighbours scheme for older people, a Furniture project helping 150 homeless families a year, a full time Nursery, Charity shop, Community Café, chapel and a wide variety of other community services, were nominated by Portsmouth City Council for their outstanding contribution to the local community.
Leader of the council Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: “Portsmouth City Council nominated the Salvation Army Haven Community Project for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2008 and I am absolutely delighted that they have been successful! They are very worthy winners and this is recognition of the excellent work the Salvation Army undertakes in the city.
“The Haven makes a tangible difference to the quality of life of thousands of local people through its practical, innovative and hands-on approach to social needs.
“It’s a showcase example of how the voluntary sector and city council can work together for the good of the city and I offer them my warmest congratulations on this prestigious award.”
Adrian Clee, Community Programme Director for The Haven commented: “This is a very prestigious award and it is really heartening to receive this high level of recognition for what we do. Our staff and volunteers are superb and I cannot commend them enough, they roll their sleeves up day-in day-out to make a tangible
difference to so many people-they really are unsung heroes. We passionately believe in what we are doing and I feel so privileged to lead such a great team that is constantly transforming lives.”
Date : 02 June 2008