JLGB awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award!

JLGB awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award! 

It was announced today that JLGB is just one of 20 national charities that have been awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award, having demonstrated outstanding work, empowering and helping support young Jewish people aged 16-25 years old from across the UK.

Founded in 1895, the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (now known as the JLGB) has helped generations of young Jewish people to realise their potential through developing essential life skills, helping in training them to become active citizens in their local communities and across British society.

His Majesty The King, Charles III, has personally approved the award, organised by The Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport which will be published in The Gazette and announced at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/winners-of-the-special-queen-elizabeth-ii-platinum-jubilee-volunteering-award-announced. 

This is a one-off award created to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and 20 years of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

QAVS recognises outstanding local volunteer groups. Around 250 awardees are announced each year on 2 June (more info at the QAVS website). However, in contrast, this Jubilee Award aimed to recognise 20 national charities whose work empowers young people aged 16-25, with volunteers playing a key role in delivering this.

Applications were sought during May-June and judged over the summer by an expert panel chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE (Chair of QAVS). It included members from each UK nation as well as two youth representatives.

JLGB will receive a handwritten certificate with The King’s signature to be presented at an event in 2023.  Representatives of the charity will also be invited to a Royal Garden Party.

Her Late Majesty The Queen displayed a life-long dedication to public service throughout her 70-year reign, so it is fitting that this one-off edition of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises the thousands of volunteers who have showcased a similar longstanding commitment to their work. 

Lord Levy, JLGB President said:

“I am sure all will agree this is an outstanding achievement for JLGB to receive such a national honour, and our whole community will be able to take great pride in celebrating this achievement. 

After nearly 128 years of service to our community and wider British society, this is such an amazing tribute to the countless number of JLGB adult volunteers who have supported our community’s youngsters to go from strength to strength.”

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

“These 20 charities deliver outstanding work to help give young people the skills they need to grow and succeed. I’m delighted that their contribution is being recognised with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award. 

“Ensuring young people get the best possible start in life is a priority for me and the Government, and there is no more fitting way to celebrate these brilliant charities than a unique edition of the highest award for voluntary service.” 

Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, the QAVS Chair said:

“These awards are a timely acknowledgement of the wide-ranging support and encouragement that is available to young people across the UK.

“They highlight the indispensable role that the voluntary sector plays in targeting help, advice and guidance where it is needed most. 

“These awards should also be seen as a tribute to the millions of volunteers and donors who, in difficult times, provide the resources of time and money which contribute so powerfully to the social fabric of our country."

Judging panel member Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said: 

“I was delighted to be part of the judging panel for the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award. The process highlighted the amazing amount of work that is being done across a wide range of organisations and how it truly transforms the lives of so many people.”

A full list of the awardees will be published in The Gazette and announced at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/winners-of-the-special-queen-elizabeth-ii-platinum-jubilee-volunteering-award-announced. 

About JLGB

The JLGB strives to help develop a society that values Jewish young people and their contributions to their local and wider communities. JLGB aims to make every effort to train, develop and support Jewish young people through their transition from young person to adult to become active citizens in society. JLGB offers essential life skills and experiences to help young Jewish people transition from empowered youth to engaged young adult. JLGB believe in young people not only as leaders of tomorrow, but as a powerful force for positive change in society today. By removing faith barriers to participation in a fun, flexible yet safe, structured environment, JLGB ensures and enables each Jewish person to reach their future potential. 

For more information on JLGB Camps, weekly groups and awards, visit www.JLGB.org, email hello@jlgb.org or call 020 8989 8990.