We are delighted to say that the work of CASS+ staff and volunteers is being recognised at the very top!
On the recommendation of local Magistrates, invitations were issued to CASS+ for our General Manager, Carole and husband (Associate Trustee and Secretary) Peter to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 1st June. Shortly after receiving this invitation, we were advised that CASS+ has been granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service; we received two additional invitations to the garden party and so Debbie Mullis, our Cornwall Co-ordinator, and Kirby Baldwin, one of our longest service volunteers, went along too. And what a party!
Garden Party invitations are made in recognition of service to the community, which CASS+ has delivered for over 11 years now. Invitations are made to individuals and their spouses. The Queen’s Award is the highest UK honour for voluntary service, and is described as the MBE for voluntary groups.
Of course, life is not all about play and in their trip to London, Carole and Peter included a visit to the Centre for Justice Innovation, a valuable supporter and mentor for CASS+. There is always something new to learn, and talking to friends can help enormously in providing new ideas and boosting morale. CASS+ is also now a model for others to follow; this visit included a meeting with volunteers who are creating a similar service in Snaresbrook Crown Court, East London.
For more information on the Queen’s Award:
