Leicestershire children's charity 'delighted' to receive highest Royal award

Menphys, a charity supporting Children and Young People with Disabilities has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

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

The fifty-year-old charity was recognised for supporting children and young people with disabilities providing enriching development opportunities whilst giving parents much needed respite and support.

Jennifer, Lady Gretton, President of Menphys, said… “I am absolutely delighted that Menphys has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is testament to the work of so many people, in particular our outstanding team of volunteers, who have been providing support and greater choices to local children and their families for over 50 years.”

Fosse107 spoke to Ian Caldwell, the CEO of Memphys. said the group has big plans for the rest of the year.

"We've got some exciting news with the prospect of a new donation centre in Wigston. We hope to open in the Summer. That's going to be a place where we can provide more work experience opportunities and volunteering to bring the community together."

Menphys are among 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. 

Mike Kapur, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, said : “I am delighted that so many of Leicestershire’s outstanding voluntary and community groups have been recognised in this way; during the assessment visits, my Deputy Lieutenants were impressed by every group’s commitment to those who they support, and to continue service provision throughout the pandemic.

“The number of nominations for this award remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and is full of innovative ideas to make life better for their fellow residents in Leicestershire. 

“I very much hope that we will see more excellent groups nominated for the Award in the future.”

Representatives of the winning groups will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire later this year. Volunteers from each group will also be invited attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022 (depending on restrictions at the time), along with other recipients of this year’s Award.