Two parishes in Londonderry have been recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Voluntary Service, which celebrate the “outstanding work” of volunteer groups – “unsung heroes” – throughout the UK. They’re among 22 groups in Northern Ireland named in this year’s list, which also includes Ulster Project Derry/Londonderry.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK. His Majesty The King pledged to continue the Award to ensure that volunteers from across the UK were recognised for the services they provided within their communities. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
St. Augustine’s Church Volunteering Group was recognised for “overcoming isolation and extending welcome through inclusion and events at a polarised interface”. The Rector of St Augustine’s, Rev Nigel Cairns, has it as “incredible news” and recognition of many years of volunteering. He praised all those who had contributed to the outreach of ‘the Wee Church on the Walls’ down through the years.
“A huge ‘thank you’ and well done to all who volunteer at St. Augustine’s,” Rev Cairns said. “A huge retrospective ‘thank you’ to the memory of those who have gone before us and who were instrumental in their vision, outreach and community engagement, and upon whose work we have built.
“If you help at the wee church to welcome tourists, help with catering events for the community, serve LEAH lunches, move furniture, organise arts events, oversee concerts, provide talks, keep the grounds looking beautiful, provide flowers, provide a welcome, make a ‘cross in your pocket’ for the many visitors, or pray for the dozens of prayer requests received through the church café and tourist ministry – or any other voluntary role which engaged and encouraged the wider community over the years – then you’re part of this award. Congratulations one and all.”
The Cathedral Youth Club, in Londonderry’s Fountain Estate, has been recognised for “providing resources and support for youth and elderly, facilitating community learning and promoting good health”. The youth club, which has an ‘open door’ policy, serves as a community hub for people of all ages, including young people, babies, toddlers, young mothers and senior citizens.
The club, which is managed by Jeanette Warke M.B.E., is open every day from 9am to 9pm, and provides programmes and activities such as a homework support club, after school activities, arts and crafts sessions, history classes and yoga sessions. It also runs a diner, where people gather daily to enjoy fellowship.
Among the other organisations recognised this year is the Ulster Project which, for almost 50 years, has been working with Christian teenagers in Northern Ireland and the United States, to educate them and develop them as leaders to effect change in their communities. Its citation says its KAVS is for “promoting peace by instilling shared values of mutual respect and understanding in young people”.
