WOKINGHAM charity The Link Visiting Scheme is celebrating after receiving a royal award.
Yesterday, the team at Link Visiting was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
The charity supports Wokingham borough residents with its befriending service, which was created to combat loneliness and isolation.
With the help of more than 400 volunteers, the charity offers online and in-person support — and its work has been more pronounced than ever during the pandemic.
Marjie Walker, CEO of The Link Visiting Scheme, said 2020 was a “challenging” year for the charity.
“We have supported so many who felt isolated due to shielding and extra restrictions on our lifestyles [and] we are completely thrilled that our amazing volunteers have been recognised for their kindness and dedication to so many residents of Wokingham borough,” she said.
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One borough resident has described the charity’s work as “a lifeline”, and said their regular Zoom calls are something to look forward to.
“The past months have been overshadowed with isolation, so [my volunteer’s] friendship is really appreciated,” they said.
Ms Walker said Link Visiting is honoured to pay tribute to its volunteers’ hard work.
“Their commitment to providing social support has been so needed, and we are incredibly proud to work with each and every volunteer across the borough,” she said.
