We are proud to announce that Volunteer Centre Hackney has been awarded Hackney Council’s highest honour, the Freedom of the Borough, in response to our work supporting local communities throughout the pandemic.
As the highest award that a council can bestow, it is a privilege for VCH to be recognised amongst exceptional individuals and organisations like Homerton University Hospital.
VCH Chief Executive, Lauren Tobias, paid tribute to the outstanding work that staff and volunteers have done both before and during the pandemic, to make our communities safer and happier.
In accepting the award on behalf of VCH, Lauren noted that it was “really a recognition of volunteering and its importance”, describing our volunteers as a “silent army” whose work often goes unrecognised, but whose support has been shown to be invaluable.
With more than two thousand people signing up to volunteer in the space of a few weeks at the beginning of the pandemic, Hackney’s residents answered the call to help their communities during their time of need. Volunteers have been delivering prescriptions, supporting with the vaccine roll-out, and helping reduce social isolation with hours of friendly telephone calls.
This week we see many residents returning to their offices or going back to work from furlough, so the need for community volunteers remains high.
Lauren used her speech to also thank Hackney Council for their longstanding partnership and support, as well as charities across the borough whose work has helped strengthen our communities throughout the pandemic.