VOLUNTEERS at Bolton Carers Support have been recognised by the Queen.
Those who give up their time to help out at Bolton Carers Support have been awarded "The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service" – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, which is equivalent to an MBE.
Representatives of the service will receive the award crystal and certificate from Sir Warren Smith, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, later this summer.
In addition, two of its volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.
Bolton Carers Support was established in 1994 and aims to ensure Bolton carers feel valued and receive the information, care, and support they deserve.
The service offers, through their 24/7 confidential helpline, information and emotional support.
It facilitates opportunities to meet other carers for mutual support, training and short breaks.
Created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s golden jubilee, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
Bolton Carers Support is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Ayleen Benischke is both a carer and a volunteer. She had to give up her career in further education to become a full-time carer, but through Bolton Carers Support she now teaches crafts to other carers, giving them time our from their caring roles.
She said: “Being a volunteer has given me the chance to help others who are in the same or similar position to myself, or at least how I was before finding out about Bolton Carers Support.
“Volunteering gave me my identity back - the teacher I was. It was like a lightbulb switching back on inside me.”
Anne Oakes, a volunteer with Bolton Carers Support for almost 10 years, said: “To be awarded such a prestigious honour is quite bewildering. We just get on and do what we can.
“This award has put an even bigger smile on my face because it means we are doing it right and someone is taking notice.
“It has made me feel very proud of the work we have all done and the difference we have made.”
David Ruane, volunteer and Chair of Bolton Carers Support said: “I am so proud and privileged to be able to chair this exceptional organisation and this award is a fitting recognition of all the volunteers over the last twenty-eight years who have shown overwhelming commitment, passion and support to our town’s unpaid carers.
“It leaves a lasting and poignant legacy as well as setting a standard for future growth for our team to carry forward with funders and stakeholders for another twenty-eight years and beyond.”
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