A boxing academy in Shropshire has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Bright Star, based in Shifnal, uses boxing and education to empower people to make positive changes to transform their lives, improving their mental health and self-esteem. As well as open boxing sessions, Bright Star runs alternative education provision in its ‘Futures’ programme and mental health support through its ‘Counterpunch’ sessions. It also works with vulnerable young people who are at risk of criminal exploitation.
To become an award winner, groups have to go the extra mile and the Lieutenancy assessment team was hugely impressed with the dedication and skills of the volunteers in supporting young people and adults in the local community - especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bright Star director Joe Lockley said: “Winning this award is absolutely amazing for all of the staff and volunteers at Bright Star.
“Although we are still a new organisation, it’s great to see the impact we’re having is recognised nationally.
“Everyone involved with Bright Star goes the extra mile to meet the needs of everyone who walks through the doors, whether that be through one of our targeted programmes or to the open boxing club sessions.”
Bright Star is one of 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on June 2nd, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Award winners this year are diverse, and include volunteer groups from across the UK, including an inclusive tennis club in Lincolnshire, a children’s bereavement charity in London; and a mountain rescue team in Powys.
