King's Award for Voluntary Service: Monkstown group ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive accolade
A Newtownabbey-based group, motivated by ‘Christian principles,’ has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Monkstown Village Initiatives (MVI) were announced as recipients of the prestigious accolade- the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK (equivalent to an MBE)- on November 14.
MVI has been serving, by providing support and assistance to people of all ages, in Monkstown for three decades.
Outlining the group’s main aim, a spokesperson for the self-sustaining enterprise, based in Monkstown Village Centre, stated: “Our desire is to apply Christian love and we do this through supporting our community. We believe in the strength of community and strive to remove barriers, encouraging individuals to reach their full potential.
"We are motivated by Christian principles and values, particularly those that relate to social justice; therefore, we seek to embody these specific values in our interactions with people volunteering or using the centre.
"We treat all people with dignity, respect and fairness in a confidential and sensitive manner.
"The vision of MVI is for a healthy community in which people can live life to the full, so we seek to deliver holistic support to both individuals and the community.”
Welcoming the presitgious recognition, Stephen Acheson, Chairperson of Monkstown Village Initiatives, said: “As MVI receive the King's Award for Voluntary Service - Mental Health and Wellbeing, we would like to thank His Majesty the King, on his birthday, for this recognition and award.
"This is a prestigious award given to volunteer groups that demonstrate outstanding work. It is the highest award that a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is the equivalent of an MBE.
"As a faith group, we are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and thank both our church and individual partners for their ongoing support.
"This award reflects on the 'wholehearted' commitment of our volunteers (both past and present) and staff, who bring so much to the Monkstown community.
"As chairperson, I am humbled and yet immensely proud of everyone involved and as we continue to make our services available to Monkstown and beyond for the years to come.
"And, if you've never been, do pop in and see us or even better, volunteer! If you're involved, or would like to be, give us a shout out on social media to help us celebrate!”