Alongside Black Country Radio, twelve other organisations across the West Midlands are the recipients of the highly prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.

Each group has been recognised for their exceptional service within their communities and rely on volunteers to deliver their outstanding contribution. The list of recipients includes two organisations from Dudley, two from Sandwell and five from Wolverhampton. 

Further recipients in Dudley include Friends and Residents of Buffery Park. Buffery Park was donated for public use in 1892 by the Grazebrook family and today it has been transformed into a vibrant community park that is enjoyed by families and provided a valued open space during the lockdown last year.

Whilst laying a stone in the grounds, Sir Lenny Henry said it was a "legendary park" where he spent his early years. It's now cared for by 20 volunteers, who manage the park along with the sports facilities and community centre.

In Sandwell, The People’s Orchestra and Volunteers Action Group at Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple have been honoured. The People’s Orchestra was founded by Sarah Marshall and has grown to an 80-strong membership who have a reputation for creating exciting music and have been selected to play at the Commonwealth Games handover next year.

The Balaji Voluntary Action Group has over 300 volunteers who carry out some fantastic community support initiatives, including health and well-being workshops, business support seminars and conferences.

They work closely with local charities to support them and delivered over half a million healthy meals and 100,000 snacks for children last year.

In Wolverhampton, Big Venture Centre, The Friends of Bantock House, The Well, TLC College and Wednesfield In Bloom are the organisations receiving the award.

They are among the 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. 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.

"I am so grateful for everything they do and am thrilled that we can praise their efforts through the QAVS Honour. These special charities make such an effort to support others and, like many people and organisations, have faced some huge challenges in the way they supported their community through the pandemic last year.

"It is truly inspirational to hear the lengths and imaginative ways the volunteers have gone to in order to provide what is often a life line to so many who are vulnerable and in need.” 

Details on how to nominate organisations can be found on the West Midlands Lieutenancy website.