Two Cornish charities have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
DISC Newquay and Pegasus – Men’s Wellbeing Centre have received the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. The awards were announced today (Nov 14), the King’s Birthday
DISC Newquay helps over 3,000 people in Newquay and the surrounding area by supplying and distributing fresh, homecooked meals. Led by volunteers, the Drop in and Share Centre (DISC) tackles some of the many issues affecting those living in one of the most deprived areas of Cornwall. 32 active volunteers make sure the DISC centre opens every day of the year in a building which is a part of a hotel in Newquay.
Pegasus – Men’s Wellbeing Centre provides a unique and expert counselling service from its base in Redruth to help men overcome life’s challenges, build resilience, and achieve emotional wellbeing. 70 volunteer qualified and in-training trauma counsellors provide a safe and supportive space dedicated to providing tailored and effective mental health services that empower men to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the award.
Commenting on these newest awards, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, said: “I am really delighted to be able to congratulate these two charities on winning The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. In different ways they are both doing brilliant work in giving support to people at really difficult times in their lives and they do so with great compassion, understanding and energy. They are fine examples of Cornwall’s community spirit, compassion and desire to help and I hope will inspire others.”
Representatives of DISC and Pegasus will receive the award crystal and certificate from Colonel Bolitho over the next few months. In addition, two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
