Ryedale Community Transport are delighted to have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups which benefit their community. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, and is equivalent to an MBE for that group.

Ryedale Community Transport provides affordable and accessible transport solutions to promote independence and reduce isolation. One of the transport solutions available is the Ryedale Volunteer Car Scheme. This was originally created in 1989 through Ryedale Voluntary Action and transferred to Ryedale Community Transport in 2005.

The aim of the Car Scheme is to provide transport, through recruitment and support of volunteer drivers, for people who do not have access to other means of transport. Over the years it has grown to become one of the largest car volunteer schemes in North Yorkshire with over 1,100 registered users.

Ryedale Community Transport currently have 57 volunteer drivers, some who have been volunteering for over 15 years. They provide door to door transport taking members to their appointments, shopping, or social visits. They give their time freely.

 

Lynne Hodgson, Chief Officer said: “The award represents a tremendous achievement for our charity, and we are immensely proud to receive it on behalf of all our volunteers, both past and present, who do amazing work.”

Philip Richardson MBE, Chair of Trustees said: “I am delighted that our volunteers are being recognised with this collective Award. This is a prestigious award and a huge tribute to them all. Our volunteer drivers are the backbone of our charity and regularly go above and beyond what is expected to help our members with their transport needs”

Ryedale Community Transport is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.