A record nineteen charitable organisations across the West Midlands are the recipients of the highly prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.

They have all been recognised for their exceptional service within their communities and rely on volunteers to deliver their outstanding contribution.

This year’s recipients cover the entire region with four coming from Dudley, one from Stourbridge and two from Wolverhampton. The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE, said:

“Through the activities of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing amazing support and giving their time to help others. It is heart-warming to see so many of these organisations gain the recognition they deserve.

“As well as thanking these special charities, of course we are all aware how West Midlands’ people are making such an effort to support each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

"I do hope we will receive nominations this year so that in 2021, we will be recognising the many heroic voluntary organisations.”

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust are one of nineteen recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients across the Black Country include Discover U, based in Wollaston, who provide skills to people with learning and physical difficulties to help them into employment. St John’s Church Preservation Group and Dudley Voices For Choices were amongst the winners in Dudley and Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust also took home the award. Their CEO, Traci Dix-Williams, said:

“This is a great honour for us at any time but with the current challenges we are all facing it is a real boost and acknowledgment of the work we do and the importance and recognition of the volunteers within our organisation.

"Volunteers have been the backbone of the organisation for almost 60 years. Their hard work and dedication has helped ensure that the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, a heritage site of international importance, is preserved and remains at the heart of the local community”. 

Black Country Touring’s volunteers range from seven to seventy and can be with the organisation from months to many years. The arts charity trains and supports volunteers to share the joys of having the arts as part of their lives with others in their community. Frances Land, Co-Artistic Director, said:

“This is a real boost for us, particularly as we struggle to adapt to lockdown and social distancing, when the community venues we work with are closed.

"Our incredible team has included 251 volunteers and we are delighted that our work has been recognised. It’s a real tribute to the hard work and commitment our volunteers bring to the community.”

Further details on winners can be found online and details on how to nominate can be found on the West Midlands Lieutenancy website at wmlieutenancy.org.