Pelican Centre receives Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in Platinum Jubilee Year 🏅

The Pelican Centre, Tyldesley's local community leisure and fitness centre and a registered charity, has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the work carried out by countless community volunteers to engage local people in health and fitness activities.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE. The Pelican Centre is one of 244 local charities and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

What is The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service?

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups that benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Other 2022 Award winners include a rural support group for farmers in Shropshire, a community magazine addressing isolation in the Western Isle and a running club engaging all ages in County Tyrone.

Representatives from the Pelican Centre will receive the Award crystal and certificate from Sir Warren Smith, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, later this summer.

Community volunteers who have made invaluable contributions towards the success of the Pelican Centre include trustees, community groups, volunteer pool lifeguards and those carrying out unpaid administrative and professional roles to support the Centre’s development.

The Pelican Centre’s Business Manager Natalia Stothard says:

“Over the last 10 years, our volunteers, staff, trustees and local people have joined together to establish the Pelican as a focal point and much-needed facility in the area. As an independent charity, we are so grateful to every volunteer who donates their time to ensure the continued success of the Centre, and we are thrilled to accept the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of our whole community.”

Pelican Centre Chair of Trustees Paul Costello adds:

“The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is well-earned recognition of the dedication and tireless work undertaken by so many to create a successful and popular asset in the Pelican Centre. Volunteers are the lifeblood of organisations such as ours, and the QAVS is testament to the commitment of everyone who has given time, resource and skills for the wider benefit of our community in Tyldesley and the local area.”

Want to get involved as a Pelican Centre volunteer?

We're committed to creating as many opportunities as we can for those looking to volunteer locally. We're taking part in a new volunteer pilot scheme with Sport England at the moment, and plan to introduce new roles which will continue to encourage everyone in the community to engage in our Feel Good Fitness ethos. 

If you're interested in volunteering with the Pelican Centre in any capacity, from admin and reception support to volunteer lifeguarding or professional services, we'd love you to get in touch!

Thank you to every volunteer who gives up their time to make our Centre a success. Congratulations on receiving the 2022 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service!