Today, SNAP Cymru are celebrating being announced as recipients of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award 2012. We are the only exclusively Welsh organisation to receive the award as recognition for our unique role, on a national scale, to advance the education of people in Wales and support their inclusion. This new award embodies the triumph and elation of this Diamond Jubilee year by recognising the hard work, commitment and generosity of volunteers within national organisations to change Britain for the better.

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said “The list of recipients of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012 reads like a Who’s Who of some of our most important charities and voluntary organisations. It is a testament to the enduring strength and immeasurable contribution of volunteers over the past sixty years”.

For SNAP Cymru, this one off, truly unique award exemplifies the hard work of our dedicated volunteers who are the backbone of the organisation and have made us a significant national charity. Chief Executive Director of SNAP Cymru Denise Inger said “ SNAP Cymru is led by volunteers who give their time, expertise and skills to promote inclusion and enhance education for children, young people and families. Each year around 200 people give their time and expertise. Volunteers are the life blood of the organisation; they make a huge contribution to our work with children, young people and families.

To receive this award, during the Queens’ 2012 Diamond Jubilee year, is even more special; SNAP Cymru staff and volunteers across Wales, will all celebrate our Queens’ recognition to their work with children and families. Volunteering is a two-way process; we value people’s time and commitment. In turn we offer opportunities to share and gain skills, knowledge and expertise through practical and work based accredited training; SNAP Cymru volunteers make an important contribution to our work in communities”.

Lindsay Brewis, avid volunteer and SNAP Cymru’s volunteer Vice Chair said “Volunteering involves both giving and getting so it is the best of both possible worlds. While I freely give my time and expertise, I get the support and warmth that working with dedicated staff and other volunteers gives, as well as training and monitoring to keep my skills up to date.”

Sean Sullivan a volunteer from the South West and Mid Wales team said “I am so proud to be part of SNAP Cymru and to be with them to receive the Queens Award for Voluntary Services during 2012, the Queens’ Diamond Jubilee year. I have gained so much from volunteering; SNAP Cymru has provided me with a completely different outlook on life. From being a recluse at home – after being my father’s carer for several years, volunteering for SNAP Cymru has got me out of the house and helped me with my socialising skills; which were at a low ebb, due to bullying at school which caused me to leave school early and even whilst I received home-tuition the bullying still continued. These experiences left me with severe anxiety and depression and a serious lack of confidence in myself. I didn’t even have the confidence to socialise with the public, my own siblings and I remained isolated at home for several years.
On arrival at SNAP Cymru, I didn’t even have the confidence to answer the phone or even join the staff on their lunch-break. I have now been volunteering as a Project Support Volunteer carrying out administration work for SNAP for around 5 years and during this time I have gradually regained confidence and my self esteem has greatly improved.
Volunteering for SNAP Cymru is one of the best decisions I have made; through volunteering I have had many training opportunities, and have gained accreditation for my learning. I better understand myself and can empathise with other people after attending courses on SEN, Respect Diversity in the workplace and Partnership with Families.
With the support of the Regional Administrator, Mrs Pat Shinner, I now have skills in Administration and Finance; volunteering has boosted my confidence and enabled me to deal with the public, to be included”.

Buckingham Palace will be holding a reception next year for recipients of this Award which SNAP Cymru will be attending to celebrate the past ten years of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Past and present volunteers as well as staff are invited to join in with our celebrations of the announcement of The Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering by posting on our social networking sites and joining in the celebrations throughout the coming year. If you, or someone you know is interested in volunteering with us click here to find out more.