Portsmouth charity Veterans Outreach Support receives Queen's Golden Jubilee Award
Portsmouth based charity Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) have been awarded the prestigious Queen's Golden Jubilee Award at a ceremony at the Royal Maritime Club.
The achievement was in recognition for the charity's ongoing work with veterans within and around the city, and for its volunteers who were recognised for their outstanding work.
Just two charities in Hampshire have received The Queen's Award in 2017 — making VOS' achievement even more impressive, succeeding over thousands of other charities from around the the UK.
The ceremony was attended by current veterans supported by the charity, partner charities contributing to VOS, local dignitaries including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and founder members of the organisation. The award was handed to representatives of VOS by current HM Lord Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson.
Founder members of VOS with Lord Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson.
Lord Lieutenant Atkinson said: “It's a huge honour for me to be here today and present this award on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen — I'd like to personally congratulate VOS on their achievement.
“I've had the pleasure of visiting VOS on a couple of occasions and have met with founder members of the charity. I've always been incredibly impressed with your work, and how you've managed to create this informal and inviting environment for veterans. Your reputation extends across the county and I'm sure this award will only go on to cement that reputation further.”
Current volunteers of VOS were on hand to collect the award from the Lord Lieutenant. Speaking with Team Locals, Scott Key, who was receiving an individual Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteers Award for Volunteer of the Year, said: “When I first visited VOS I was literally too scared to come in and hung around the entrance for some time. Eventually I made the step and it changed my life for the better.
“VOS is like a little community and it just felt right to be here amongst like-minded people. I'm so glad to be able to give back as a volunteer and happy be able to help veterans coming to the charity that are in a similar situation as I was. Being welcomed to VOS is like the beginning of a veteran's journey to getting back to some kind of normality in life.
“Getting this award is amazing and having the recognition from the Queen for our work is so special.”
More information on the Veterans Outreach Support charity can be found at their website: www.vosuk.org.