Community Solutions North West, a local charity based in Accrington, has received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honor for volunteer groups in the UK. This prestigious award acknowledges the remarkable efforts of the charity's over 100 volunteers who dedicate their time to assist individuals experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or crisis. In 2020, a particularly challenging year due to increased demand for befriending and crisis services, Community Solutions' volunteers provided essential support across East Lancashire. The charity reported that over 180 volunteers contributed thousands of hours to deliver telephone and digital befriending services, welfare packs, and help access local services. Their efforts included making 8,561 befriending calls and delivering nearly 1,000 welfare and wellbeing packs, including to those in hospitals and alone. Community Solutions North West is among 241 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups receiving this year's award. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, established in 2002 to commemorate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, highlights outstanding voluntary work benefiting local communities. Award winners are announced annually on June 2nd, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Deborah Clark, CEO of Community Solutions North West, expressed her pride and gratitude: “We are truly honored that our incredible volunteers have been recognized with this prestigious award. Their dedication is the backbone of our work, and this recognition is a testament to their invaluable contributions. We are extremely proud of them and thank them immensely for their efforts.” Representatives from Community Solutions North West will receive the award crystal and certificate from The Rt Hon the Lord Shuttleworth, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, later this summer. Additionally, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022, conditions permitting, to celebrate with other award recipients. For those interested in volunteering or learning more about the charity's work, please contact 01254 460080, email info@csnw.co.uk, or visit csnw.co.uk.