MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: Shape

Shape has been announced as one of the UK volunteering groups to win The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.

Shape has received the Award for the long-standing Shape Tickets scheme, which removes barriers to entertainment and the arts – be they physical, financial, attitudinal or transport related.

Shape will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Greater London, Lord-Lieutenant Sir David Brewer CMG JP, at a special ceremony. Three Shape Volunteers and staff member Samantha Schneider celebrated the award at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, with The Queen in attendance.

Speaking of their success, Tony Heaton, Shape CEO said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this prestigious honour for the work Shape Volunteers do with our London-wide community.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said,

“Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together. It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of Shape with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.”

For details of all this year’s Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, click here, where a nomination form can be downloaded.

To find out more about Shape Tickets, whether you’re interested in becoming a member or a volunteer or just for further information, click here.