A ROYAL award has been presented to a charity supporting vulnerable children.
Warwickshire-based The Friendship Project has been recognised with a Queens Award – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Since the charity began in 1986 it has supported some 1,500 children by forming friendships with older people.
Those age six to 16 who are disadvantaged by family circumstances are referred to the charity and have a friend who takes them out for several hours each week. Visits can include walking the dog or activities the child would otherwise not experience, such as horse riding or ice skating.
The award was presented by Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox.
Friendship Project chair Cheryll Rawbone said: “We are thrilled to receive this award and have the hard work, commitment and time, of volunteers past and present recognised.
“We are happy to have helped so many children in the country and hope to go on to support many more, we know it can really make such a huge difference. Cheryll Rawbone,
“We are actively seeking more volunteers across Warwickshire to become ‘older friends’ to enable us to continue our work and to support many more children.”
Visit www.friendshipproject.co.uk or call 0845 838 2098 to find out more about the charity.
