A GROUP set up 25 years ago is celebrating this morning after learning that it is to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Set up in March 1994, the Reading Refugee Support Group was originally a partnership between aid agencies Cafod and Oxfam, as well as Churches Together in Berkshire and Reading International Solidarity Centre.
Its aim is to support asylum seekers and refugees in Reading and surrounding areas, including Wokingham. It also works with people in West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead.
Its award is the highest distinction that a voluntary group in the UK can receive.
It aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups for their communities and was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
Winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Other award winners this year include volunteers helping people overcome mental health problems through sport, volunteers using caravans as mobile cafe/information centres in geographically remote locations and another group mentoring children who have a parent in prison.
Reading Refugee Support Group is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious national award, which will be presented to them by James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire later this summer.
Reading Refugee Support Group’s CEO Nick Harborne said: “This award is a reflection of the dedicated work, support and compassion so many volunteers have brought to RRSG over the 25 years we have been running.
“It is especially welcome in 2019 as RRSG marks its 25th Anniversary. It is a double celebration. Some of our first volunteers are still involved with RRSG 25 years later showing the long standing loyalty, empathy and support the people of Reading and Berkshire have for the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.
“RRSG is delighted that all our volunteers are to be recognised in this manner and add our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the many refugees they have served.”
