Tracy Beaton, founder of Bede’s Helping Hands with Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

A South Tyneside Pledge organisation has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Bede’s Helping Hands was one of 281 organisations throughout the United Kingdom to receive this prestigious award in recognition of their outstanding community service.

Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.

Bede’s Helping Hands is a food bank in Jarrow on Glasgow Road.

Tracy Beaton, founder of Bede’s Helping Hands with Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council
Tracy Beaton, founder of Bede’s Helping Hands with Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council

Tracy Beaton, founder of Bede’s Helping Hands, said:

“What an honour. To receive The Kings Award for Voluntary Services, is high praise indeed and something we do not take lightly.

“I am so proud of my team, for without them this wouldn’t be possible. Also, for our many supporters who have complete faith in that whatever support they give us goes to where it is needed. Thank you so much, we appreciate all that you do.

“We always strive to do our utmost to support our community, and we always class ourselves as being more than a foodbank. We work with as many organisations as possible to provide a better support system for our community and we are so grateful for the working partnerships that we have. We are excited for the future and new projects we have planned.”

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council, said:

“Congratulations to Tracy and the team at Bede’s Helping Hands who are so very deserved of this prestigious award. The work that Bede’s Helping Hands do is vital to our community, and they are far more than a foodbank to the many people they help each day. For this I thank them and congratulate them, and I hope our Pledge network can continue to support their vital work in future”.   

Applications for The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service are assessed each year at a local level by local lieutenancies before consideration of recommended groups by a committee of National Assessors. Focus is placed on identifying groups that: make a tangible impact to their local community, are steered by volunteers rather than paid staff, and have the highest standards in everything they do. 

You can follow Bede’s Helping Hands on Facebook.

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