HBBS have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service have been in existence for over 30 years and provides counselling support to young people, adults, and families. Originally founded to offer bereavement counselling it now covers a range of mental health issues including depression, trauma and anxiety.
In 2018/19 HBBS delivered around 3,000 counselling sessions across their local community including local primary and secondary schools.
The nine groups from Essex are amongst 281 charities, social enterprises, and volunteer-led groups to receive the prestigious award this year across the UK. The number of awarded groups have increased again this year, demonstrating the continuous expansion and value of the voluntary sector in today’s society.
This award is given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise exceptional service within their communities. The recipients of the award are announced each year on 2 June - the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Representatives of the nine winning groups in Essex attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
The nine Essex winners will receive the Award from Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, later this summer.
Mrs Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex said:
“The announcement of nine winners of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the highest national award for voluntary groups, across Essex is a wonderful tribute to the outstanding work of the voluntary sector. Only one other county in the UK had more winners than Essex which speaks volumes for the excellence of volunteering in our county and the increasing importance of the work of volunteers for community wellbeing. I am delighted that nine extremely deserving groups, who are providing a wide range of services to our communities have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen. I look forward to presenting the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services to each of the groups over the coming months and to be able to celebrate their success with their volunteers and many who receive their excellent service”.
Sue Newth-Gibbs, Chair of Trustees, Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service said:
“We are delighted and proud to receive this award. We hope that it will enable us to further raise the profile of our service by reaching out to support more people in the community and attracting potential donors and grant providers. We celebrate our 30th anniversary in July 2019 and this is a very special birthday present”.
Emma Tierney, Chief Executive Officer (HBBS) said:
“As a local charity celebrating its 30th year, we feel honoured to have received this prestigious award which highlights the importance of the counselling we provide.
In our local community. We could not have reached so many clients without the support and dedication of our team of dedicated volunteers, staff and counsellors. We look forward to both continuing our work and expanding to meet the evolving needs of the community.”