SEARCH FOR ‘UNSUNG HEROES OF THE COMMUNITY’ BEGINS

TO mark the start of the search for the unsung heroes in our communities, the thousands of voluntary groups across the UK who help transform their neighbourhoods through their own hard work and play such a vital role in providing and supporting important services. 

The majority of these groups work tirelessly without any form of recognition. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service offers the perfect opportunity to honour their dedication and commitment. 

This highly prestigious, annual Award is designed to give well-deserved recognition to those who volunteer their time and energy to help others. The Award is special because it is for the group as a whole rather than individuals.

Now in its third year, the Award was created to mark the occasion of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Over 300 groups have received the Award, including many ethnic minority organisations, for example The Greenwich Chinese Community School, The Centre for Filipinos in London, the Central Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Glasgow, the Salford Link Project in Manchester and the Arab Group in Hounslow. 

Community and voluntary groups can be nominated for an Award by members of the public, who have either benefited from their work, or seen the positive effects on the community. 

Judy Griffiths, centre manager for Nubian Life, which delivers culturally sensitive services primarily to the over 50s African and Caribbean community, says of winning the Award in 2003:- “The Queen’s Award has made a really positive impact on our work. It has helped us secure funding and also the added publicity has lead to offers of free help from professionals who want to support the community too. It was very nice to be nominated and of course to win, the volunteers work very hard and it was a great ‘thank you’ from the community and the establishment.”

The launch of the 2005 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service also sees unprecedented support from a host of major BME media champions, who are actively encouraging their viewers, readers and listeners to nominate organisations that they believe are worthy of this prestigious Award. 

Home Office Minister, Fiona Mactaggart, said:- "Community groups work hard to improve the quality of life for people in all walks of life. These are people who take action themselves, rather than leaving it to others, and I hope everyone who has benefited from their work will come forward to nominate them for a 2005 award." 

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BIENNIAL AND BROADWAY BECKONS AS PUPILS MAKE DRAMATIC IMPACT

PUPILS at a Liverpool school are undergoing a dramatic transformation, thanks to their involvement in Capital of Culture projects.

Campion High school, in Everton, North Liverpool, has seen class attendances rise by more than 10 per cent and its GCSE pass rate more than double in three years after a drive to promote drama in the classroom.

The drive began in 2001 to support the city's Capital of Culture bid and has been such a success that pupils are on the brink of visiting Broadway and seeing their new film, 'Hear I Am', showcased in the 2004 Liverpool Biennial.

Donna Jones, Drama Teacher at Campion, said:- "When we joined up with the Culture Company our main aim was to get boys interested in drama. We did that by getting them to pick subjects and issues that affect them and turning them into stories. They had control and they responded amazingly.

I never dared think they would be appearing at the Biennial, having workshops on Broadway or turning round to me and asking can they go on and do it at A-level! The fact it will be a night class just shows you how committed they are. The whole process has been something of a fairytale.

Such has been the interest generated in drama, the Year 10 pupils have been invited to visit New York and participate in a workshop with a Broadway actor. They are also going to Disney Land Paris to take part in workshops with the actors from the parade and gain experience of theatrical arts in industry."

SEFTON POLICE BEGIN BLITZ ON ALCOHOL CRIME HOTSPOTS

POLICE Officers in Sefton are amongst 77 areas across England and Wales joining together in a fresh drive to tackle alcohol related violence and disorder.

Sefton is among a host of other areas where the crackdown will be focused and will concentrate on those who sell alcohol to under age drinkers, particularly for bars and clubs who promote irresponsible and rowdy behaviour who cause violence weekends.

Over the next two months police along with Trading Standards will use tough enforcement measures to take action against irresponsible drinkers and vendors who are fuelling anti social behaviour.

Sefton Area Commander, Chief Supt Dave Lewis said:- "We will be adopting a zero tolerance approach towards alcohol fuelled crime, particularly targeting 15-24-year-olds. Our intelligence shows that whilst this group are most likely to be involved in alcohol related violence, they are also most likely to be the victims of crime. We will be working to educate that group, about the impact drinking can have on their lives and the lives of others.”