MAPS (Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support), a project of Volunteer Centre Sutton have been presented with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in a special Mayoral reception.
The award is given to groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.
The Mayor of Sutton, Council Leader Ruth Dombey and Sutton Council Chief Executive Niall Bolger were all in attendance to see Sutton’s Deputy Lieutenant Chris Godwin present an ornamental English crystal to MAPS Manager Helen Gasparelli on behalf of the Queen, along with a certificate signed by the Queen, recognising this achievement.
Representative Deputy Lieutenant of Sutton, Chris Godwin, officially presented the award saying:
“I am delighted to be here and to share with you this very special day for Mentoring Advocacy and Peer Support of Volunteer Centre Sutton and to join you in celebrating your Queen’s Award for Voluntary service – and to present you with your award on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. This prestigious national honour, equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering with the activities of awardees judged as being of the very highest standard.”
“Thank you for devoting your time so selflessly and so helping hundreds of young people in the London Borough of Sutton.”
MAPS Manager, Helen Gasparelli, said:
‘It is an honour and a privilege for MAPS to have received this award, on behalf of the outstanding work of our volunteer mentors and team who selflessly give their time to the most vulnerable in their community’.
Chris Parker, CEO of Volunteer Centre Sutton remarked:
‘It’s a massive honour for MAPS and Volunteer Centre Sutton, to be chosen for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is simply the highest accolade we can achieve and my heartfelt thanks must go to MAPS’ Volunteer Mentors who started this project 18 years ago. Never underestimate the amazing difference a handful of volunteers and the dedicated MAPS team can make to the lives of others! This award is dedicated to those who are willing to give their time and energy to being positive role models for young people in our community. Thank you.’
The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Arthur Hookway said:
“On my very first day as Mayor I visited the Volunteer Centre Sutton so to present them this award is extremely special for me. Volunteers are some of the most important members of our society and deserve to be recognised.”
“This award recognises the outstanding contribution that Volunteer Centre Sutton has made to our community.”
MAPS trains local volunteers to support vulnerable, disadvantaged young people, often with multiple, complex needs, so that they can build resilience, improve their self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to enjoy a healthy, successful life and to play an active, positive part in their community.
If you would like to volunteer for MAPS, or any other local community group, please contact:
Volunteer Centre Sutton
Email: