Alok Sharma congratulates the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has welcomed the announcement that the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2020.

The award indicates a high level of excellence in volunteering and recognises the outstanding achievements of teams of volunteers who have served their local community. Volunteers at the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were nominated for the award by members of the local community.

In July 2019, Alok was delighted to send a letter of support for the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s volunteer team’s nomination for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. In the letter of support, Alok acknowledged the hard work and commitment shown by volunteers at the hospital and congratulated them on their role in providing a unique contribution to so many people in the community who rely on their support.

Volunteers support patients through a broad range of services, for example, offering reassurances to those dealing with mental health difficulties through peer led support activities, community courses, and online help. Volunteers also provide companionship to those suffering with dementia in their role as dementia friends.

The volunteers at the hospital also help by supporting operational therapies, providing hospitality services and assisting with the feeding of patients. All roles undertaken by the volunteers are designed to improve the patient excellence and contribute positively to their recovery.

As a result of winning the award, the group will receive a certificate signed by the Queen as well as a commemorative crystal. Later this summer, the award will be presented to the volunteer representatives on behalf of the Queen by James Puxley, Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire. The group will also be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace along with the other winners next year.

Alok Sharma said: “I am delighted with the news that the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Volunteers at the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provide vital support to those who need it most, and that is why I am pleased that their efforts have been recognised by this prestigious award – huge congratulations to all volunteers at the hospital.”