Christchurch charity gets Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Christchurch Community Partnership (CCP) has been presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

For years, the charity has been helping individuals struggling to engage with, or access services in the town.

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Their Christchurch Angels scheme supports individuals by accompanying them to activities and helping rebuild their confidence after a long period of isolation or a bereavement.

Sandra Prudom, chief executive officer at CCP, said receiving it was an “enormous honour” for her small independent charity.

Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell presented the award to Sandra Prudom (Image: Sandra Prudom)

Sandra added: “It was incredible for our volunteers and our staff team.

“It is such an honour, and particularly because we were in the last batch of the Queen’s Awards, which will now be the King’s Awards.”

The award was presented to CCP by Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell at an event at St Joseph's Catholic Church Parish Centre on January 18.

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He read out loud the certificate signed by Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, commending CCP, its volunteers and staff for “providing vital, non-judgmental support and services to the vulnerable, marginalised and excluded in Christchurch.”

The charity had been made aware of the honour back in June, and were among 244 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive it for 2022. 

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (Image: Sandra Prudom)

Councillor Lesley Dedman said: “How pleased I was to be able to put CCP and all the volunteers forward for this prestigious award.

"When I put together my nomination, even though of course I knew a lot about them, it was a revelation how much they actually do.

"The whole organisation is vital to the life of our community of Christchurch."

CCP said it was still in "urgent need" of additional volunteers to meet the increase in demand for its services.

The organisation is also seeking to raise £40,000 to replace one of its ageing Dial a Buses, which provide vital transport services for the community.