Houghton Regis Helpers (HRH) were delighted to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at Houghton Regis Memorial Hall on Thursday 18th April.
This award is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, and receiving it is a huge honour. The ceremony brought together Good Neighbour volunteers, members of Beds RCC including Mike Fayers (Good Neighbour Scheme support) and CEO Tracy Cowan, and guests of honour to celebrate the award.
Beds RCC supports a network of over 40 Good Neighbour Schemes in both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. Houghton Regis Helpers are a key part of the Houghton Regis community, providing help with jobs such as lifts to appointments, picking up prescriptions and befriending.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada was among the guests of honour at the presentation, and presented the volunteers with the award. During her speech, Susan said:
Small acts of kindness, when they are added together, often change lives. They can even save lives. But what they do is make life a kinder place, a happier place and a better place to be.
A volunteer member from Houghton Regis Helpers said:
Since launching in 2011, these all round Good Neighbours have stayed consistently cheerful, kind and active, even during heatwaves, sub-zero cold snaps and the challenges of COVID. Now, they are many people’s lifelines during the current cost of living crisis – delivering food, gifts and a sense of community connection and hope.
After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed lunch together as they celebrated the hard work of Houghton Regis Helpers.
Tracy Cowan, CEO of Beds RCC said:
We are very proud to have Houghton Regis Helpers as part of our Good Neighbour network and they inspire other groups to show them what a difference a few dedicated volunteers can make to our community.
To join your local Good Neighbours group or find out more, visit our Good Neighbour Schemes page on our website.