We would like to say a massive WELL DONE to our Leeds Caring Hands Charity for being awarded THE KING’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2023!!!

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LEEDS CARING HANDS AWARDED THE KING’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2023

262 organisations across the UK have been awarded the first King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE and is the highest honour awarded to voluntary groups.

Formerly known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the annual award was established in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. In February 2023, it was announced that the award would become The King’s Award.

We’re delighted that Leeds Caring Hands, which began as a project of our Patient Participation Group (PPG) here, at the practice, has been awarded this prestigious honour in recognition of the impact their tireless work has had locally.

Leeds Caring Hands began as a voluntary group of PPG members trying to befriend and support lonely, elderly or vulnerable patients at the practice and support them also with basic digital skills.

Through the fantastic work of a few very dedicated people, led by PPG Chair Beverley Kite, Leeds Caring Hands has achieved a great deal and the activities offered on the premises at our Harrogate Road surgery have expanded to benefit many local patients. From loneliness phone lines operated by volunteers during the pandemic, to the twice-weekly group activities in our first floor activity room, lent by the Practice, and which include arts and crafts, table tennis, games, digital skills classes and chair exercises, Leeds Caring Hands has been financially supported by a range of grant providers, including Leeds City Council, Sports England and Halifax plc. through its Halifax Community Fund.

Awarded annually to some of the UK’s most inspiring volunteer-led groups for their charitable endeavours, we’re immensely proud that Leeds Caring Hands is amongst this year’s 227 organisations from England, 20 from Scotland, six from Wales and nine from Northern Ireland to have received the first ever King’s Award.

See the full list of awardees here and read more about the North Leeds Medical Practice’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) and the Leeds Caring Hands charity.