Four Manx charities are among the beneficiaries of the first ever Royal London Volunteering Awards.
The awards have been won on behalf of Laxey and Lonan Youth Club, the Isle of Man branch of the Samaritans, Marown Football Club and Manx National Youth Band by Peter Dainton, Kelly Lean, Helen Withers and Neil Brew, employees of Royal London 360° who also volunteer their time to these organisations.
The Royal London Volunteering Award Scheme is an initiative introduced by Royal London, Royal London 360°’s parent, last year to mark its 150th anniversary. It aims to recognise employees for the time they give up to volunteer for charities or other organisations in their community by making a donation of £250 to that cause*.
Laxey and Lonan Youth Club provides a variety of activities for children in school years four to ten on a weekly basis, supported by Youth Worker, Peter Dainton. These include cookery, sport, quizzes, arts and crafts, games and discos, as well as trips to places like Laserblast, bowling in Ramsey and gymnastics in Douglas.
Samaritans in the Isle of Man is a confidential, emotional support service available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Volunteers offer support by responding to phone calls, emails and letters and through face to face counselling.
Formed in 1950 and run entirely by volunteers, Marown Football Club has two senior men’s teams and a junior network that supports approximately 80 boys and girls between five and 13. They hold regular coaching sessions and give children the opportunity to play competitively in the local leagues and competitions at their age group.
The Manx National Youth Band was formed in 1970 from an idea to have an Island-wide organisation to train young brass players and entertain local residents. Currently it is teaching around 50 children and has just purchased its own Band Room. As well as twice weekly group rehearsals, children are also provided with individual lessons to help improve their skills.
Natalie Hall, Director of Marketing at Royal London 360°, commented: “Peter, Kelly, Helen and Neil give up their time on a weekly basis to help support these very worthwhile organisations which help a wide cross-section of the Isle of Man’s society. I am delighted that their commitment has been recognised with a Royal London Volunteering Award and I know the £250 will provide a number of benefits to the Island community and allow them to continue their valuable work.”
* Royal London staff can apply for a Royal London Volunteering Award at four points during the year. They must volunteer for a charity or other such organisation for a minimum of 20 hours per year. The awards won by Laxey and Lonan Youth Club, Samaritans Isle of Man, Marown AFC and Manx National Youth Band are the only organisations in the Isle of Man to benefit from a Royal London Volunteering Award to date.
