Party leaders back Queen Consort's plan to honour Britain's volunteers
Party leaders back Queen Consort Camilla’s plan to honour Britain’s unsung heroes volunteering at the King’s coronation
- Leaders of the main political parties praised the Coronation Champions Awards
- The awards will see 500 people who made a difference selected as Champions
The nation’s political leaders have leant their support to the Queen Consort’s initiative to honour Britain’s unsung army of selfless volunteers, backed by the Daily Mail.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the Lib Dem’s Sir Ed Davey all praised the ‘fantastic’ Coronation Champions Awards to celebrate those who go the extra mile in their communities in this historic year of celebration for the nation.
Mr Sunak described it as chance to mark what ‘unites us as a country’ and urged community organisations – and Mail readers – to nominate their local heroes.
He said: ‘As we come together to celebrate His Majesty the King’s coronation this year, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit and the values which unite us as a country.
‘That’s why I encourage everyone to get behind the Coronation Champions Awards which will put a spotlight on the incredible work of those who go above and beyond each and every day in service to their communities.’
Camilla, 75, become President of the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) in 2012, inheriting the role from Queen Elizabeth II
The Coronation Champions Awards, organised by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), will see five hundred winners selected via a UK-wide nomination process as the nation’s official ‘Coronation Champions’.
They will each receive a specially-designed pin and signed certificate from the Queen Consort.
The winners will also get a once-in-a-lifetime invitation for themselves plus a guest to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the headline Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle or a Coronation Garden Party.
Sir Keir, leader of the Labour Party, said of the awards: ‘As the country joins together to celebrate the next chapter of our Great British history, it’s important we also recognise those who have selflessly given up their time for the benefit of others.
‘That’s why my Labour Party backs the Coronation Champions Awards – to recognise and pay tribute to those unsung heroes of our communities, as we welcome a new era under His Majesty King Charles III. On behalf of the Labour Party, I thank them.’
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed added: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be backing the campaign for Coronation Champions.
‘Our fantastic family of nations has countless unsung heroes and there is no better way to celebrate them than inviting them to get involved with the King’s Coronation later this year.
‘I look forward to the campaign moving forward and can’t wait to see people from right across the country get involved.’
Mr Sunak said: ‘As we come together to celebrate His Majesty the King’s coronation this year, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit and the values which unite us as a country’
Sir Keir said that as the country celebrates the next chapter of British history, it was ‘important we also recognise those who have selflessly given up their time for the benefit of others’
Lib Dems’ Sir Ed Davey said he was ‘delighted to be backing the campaign for Coronation Champions’
Volunteering has been identified as a key component of the Coronation celebrations in tribute to the King’s lifetime of public service, as well as the Queen Consort’s own work in fields as diverse as domestic violence and literacy.
Camilla, 75, become President of the RVS in 2012, inheriting the role from Queen Elizabeth II.
It is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, supporting the NHS and thousands of vulnerable people in the community.
As well as thanking those who already give up their own time to help others – whether it be working for a charity, the NHS or other local organisations – the awards scheme hopes to inspire the next generation of volunteers.
To that end, nominations are open for anyone over the age of 14, with special ‘Young Coronation Champions’ awards being given to ‘rising stars’ aged been 14 and 18.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the Lib Dems’ Sir Ed Davey all praised the ‘fantastic’ Coronation Champions Awards, backed by the Daily Mail
To recognise volunteers from a wide variety of causes, the RVS is encouraging nominations in eight award categories: supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; animal welfare and, finally, sustainability and the environment.
Nominations can be made via the RVS’s Coronation Champions website page until April 2 and will be judged on ‘demonstrated impact, initiative, inspiration, and involvement’ in volunteering over the last five years.
They will be reviewed by an expert judging panel made up of volunteering specialists, charity leaders and academics.
Nominees will be judged according to their demonstrated involvement and impact in volunteering over the last five years.
The King and Queen Consort will be crowned on May 6 and a weekend of celebrations is being organised alongside the Westminster Abbey ceremony, including a concert at Windsor Castle on May 7.
Would-be volunteers are also being encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out, a day dedicated to volunteering, on the May 8 Bank Holiday Monday.
- To nominate a volunteer, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/coronation-champions-awards
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