PRESS RELEASE: 4TH MARCH 2009
Devon’s volunteering habits uncovered
Lord-Lieutenant joins public call to recognise outstanding local
voluntary groups
Mr Eric Dancer CBE JP, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Devon today called for nominations
for the 2010 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, as new research reveals the
majority of those across the wider South West region (53%) believe voluntary groups
aren’t acknowledged enough publicly for the outstanding work they do.
The findings come from the first annual ‘Volunteering Index’, a report commissioned
for the Award to uncover the nation’s voluntary habits*. It shows more than a quarter
of those in the South West (29%) takes time out to volunteer at least once a month.
The community, youth and the elderly are the focus of most in the South West’s
voluntary activities. While almost a fifth of volunteers across the region (19%) get
involved in projects to benefit the local area, 17% spend time working with young
people and children or helping the elderly.
Further findings show:
 Twenty per cent in the South West give up time to volunteer at least once a week
 Most people in the region volunteer for the sense of achievement it offers (49%)
 Almost a quarter of people in the South West (23%) volunteer because it’s fun
while 37% do it as its part of their life philosophy and 17% to meet new people
Commenting on the findings, the Lord-Lieutenant said: “There are great rewards to
be had from volunteering, whether personal achievement and the development of
new skills or a deeper connection with your local community, but it’s clear many in
Devon believe that volunteers’ tireless efforts to benefit others should be recognised
publically.
“Although this doesn’t tend to be a goal of selfless volunteer groups themselves,
celebrating exceptional work with such a prestigious National Honour as the Queen’s
Award for Voluntary Service can prove invaluable to continued success, support and
donations, and help boost the profile of volunteering in Devon generally. If you know
a group, do get out there and nominate.”
More than 600 groups around the UK have now won the Queen’s Award for
Voluntary Service, over the six years since it was created by Her Majesty as a
National Honour equivalent to the MBE to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in
2002. They include 9 winning groups from Devon.
For more information on the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and how to
nominate a group, visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk.
– Ends –
For further information
Helen Little, Consolidated PR 020 77812331 or helenl@consolidatedpr.com
Mark Atkins, Consolidated PR 020 7781 2391 or marka@consolidatedpr.com
Sean Williams, Consolidated PR 020 7781 2308 or seanw@consolidatedpr.com
Note to editors
*Research was carried out by YouGov plc on behalf of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Service between 19th and 22nd December 2008. The findings reflect the thoughts of 2,041 UK
adults (18+).
About the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
In 2002, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award
for Voluntary Service by Groups in the Community was established. Its purpose is to
recognise groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others. It is
the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status
to the MBE. As such, the Queen’s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer
groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held.
The Award is overseen by the Office of the Third Sector (OTS). As part of the Cabinet Office,
the OTS leads work across government to support the environment for a thriving third sector
(voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, charities, cooperatives and mutuals),
enabling it to campaign for change, deliver public services, promote social enterprise and
strengthen communities.
Groups must be nominated for the Award – self nomination is not permitted. You can
nominate a group (two or more people) if it is based in the UK, the Channel Islands and the
Isle of Man. The group has to have been volunteering for the benefit of people in the UK or
overseas for at least three years and more than half its members must be volunteers who
have the right of residence in the UK. Groups solely concerned with fundraising for charitable
purposes are not eligible. Further details on entrance criteria and the nomination process are
available from www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk.