Haven charity given royal seal of approval

Jun 4 2009 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A BLANTYRE group who provide information and support to people suffering from life-limiting illnesses have been honoured by the Queen.

The Haven centre are to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising their outstanding contribution and voluntary work in the local community. The prestigious National Honour is equivalent to an MBE.

Opened in 2002, The Haven was originally set up to support cancer patients but since expanded to support those with Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone disease, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

They operate on a drop-in basis and support people from all over Lanarkshire and the surrounding area by providing free information in their lending library and consultations with a specialist nurse.

Also on offer are complementary therapies, counselling, group workshops and relaxation classes to relieve stress and anxiety.

The Haven were one of 11 groups selected from 406 nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

Janice Williams of the Haven said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the award. It was one of our clients who nominated us, and it really is a prestigious honour. We have over 70 volunteers involved at the Haven. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to be as successful over the past seven years.

“They do everything from volunteer board members, administration, supporting our clients and fundraising. They are integral to what we do.

“We are also delighted to have so many people throughout the local community coming forward to be a part of our volunteer team. We are very grateful.”

The group will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, with group representatives receiving an invitation to a Royal Garden Party event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the summer, alongside the other groups that have also been honoured.

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said: “Volunteering binds communities together and builds a stronger and kinder society.

“Often these unsung heroes go about their work without much recognition, that’s why I’m particularly pleased to see their efforts recognised and rewarded by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”