It’s always good to see people receiving well deserved recognition for their work. It’s even better when that recognition comes from Her Majesty the Queen and the work is voluntarily provided for benefit of others.
That’s why I was delighted to be invited to see the Eyres Monsell Club for Young People (EMCYP) awarded the hugely prestigious ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’. One of just 241 such awards across the country, it was presented to them by the Her Majesty the Queen’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE. It was a joyous occasion.
This local group have worked hard to engage the younger members of their community positively to help keep them out of trouble. Young people have so much to contribute to society and are often typecast in a negative light. This evening proved that is not always the case!
Local people and organisations joined the celebrations and an award for “Young Community Hero of the Year 2021” was presented to Ellis Stickley who was recognised for his achievements with the club.
One of EMCYP’s many achievements saw members delivering 10,000 food parcels to the community during recent months. Their ambitions to build a community gym are awaiting funding confirmation from Sports England.
As Police and Crime Commissioner I am keen that we encourage this very special type of community spirit. Young people are our future and it is imperative that we do what we can to help them develop and support each other.
Rupert Matthews
Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Posted on Tuesday 26th October 2021