ROYAL PRESENTATION AT CHARITY AGM…AND ALL VIA ZOOM!

OPAL Services enjoyed an extra special start to their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 11th November as they were officially awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire joined the Zoom session as the Queen’s representative for the occasion.

Congratulating all the volunteers for their hard work and outstanding dedication to ensuring older people in rural west Cheshire, and their carers, David Briggs said -

“You are truly stars. OPAL is a special charity and you are spreaders of happiness. This is the highest award a group of volunteers can be given - the equivalent of an MBE. Of some 4,000 charities across Cheshire OPAL were just one of four who received this award. Making you truly 1 in a 1000! Congratulations to you all”.

OPAL Chair of Trustees, Jane Colville, said the award “is for every single volunteer who helps make OPAL work – from volunteer drivers to cooks, club helpers to technology solvers and everyone else giving their time to help, you have all been awarded this incredible award to recognise the amazing and selfless contribution you make to the OPAL community.

” Now, more than ever before, social isolation is an issue for many, but for those in rural areas communication with others is vital. OPAL Services have swiftly adapted from weekly club sessions to regular befriending calls, garden visits, help to get online and a weekly newsletter, ensuring all their members have reduced loneliness.

Originally a Key Volunteer at Tarporley OPAL club, Monica Lewis, now befriends a club member with weekly phone calls and also helps with delivery of activity packs and OPAL Reach newsletter.

“I am delighted to be a volunteer with OPAL and it’s been great to be able to find ways to keep in touch with our members during this difficult time. It is wonderful that OPAL volunteers have been recognised for their service in this way”.