Four voluntary organisations in Northumberland have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for their service to the community. 
 

The worthy recipients are: Haltwhistle Partnership Ltd, Ashington Veterans and Elderly Institute, Berwick and District Cancer Support Group and Being Women. 
 

Created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. 
 

The Haltwhistle Partnership is a group of local people who work to benefit the town and its people, lobbying for town infrastructure and investment, as well as delivering and driving projects of its own. It operates a one stop shop, Westbourne House, where a range of community services are offered including a free legal clinic, internet access and advice and guidance for residents. 
 

It is also helping to provide an impressive range of environmental projects in the local area, including allotments, recycling and e-bikes. 
 

Ashington Veterans and Elderly Institute proves a friendly environment with social and learning opportunities for veterans and elderly people who find themselves isolated or lonely.  

There are monthly coffee mornings and regular social sessions. Indoor facilities include snooker, darts, table-games, event and refreshments. Outdoor activities include workshops and a community garden. 
 

Berwick ad District Cancer Support Group provides free transport to any cancer sufferer to all major hospitals in the Berwick and district area. 

The group was founded in 1992 by a group of people who through experience knew how difficult it could be to get to main hospitals in the area for cancer appointments.  They started the group in the hope that no one would ever have to worry about travelling to their cancer appointment again. It is run on a totally voluntary basis and many of its members have experienced living alongside cancer in one way or another. 
 

Being Women support unemployed, digitally and socially excluded individuals, or those affected by Covid-19, and help them progress in their life and career through a programme of tailored skills and support. 
 

The awards will be presented later in the summer by Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland, in her capacity as Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland. 
 

Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland said: 

“The work of the volunteers within these four charities has made a significant and valuable difference to the lives of others.  

“The Queen’s Award gives national recognition to extraordinary acts of voluntary service and is only given out in exceptional circumstances. 

“These volunteers are extremely passionate about what they do, and their hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all.  These commendations are so very well deserved, and I am pleased to see them gain the recognition they so rightfully warrant.”