Northampton Sikh charities providing poverty support both win Queen's award for Voluntary Service

Two charities that work side-by-side have been given the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Siri Guru Singh Sabha Northampton and The Sikh Community Centre & Youth Club (SCCYC), managed by the same trustees, are over-the-moon to have their work recognised by HM The Queen.

It comes as the groups consistently go above and beyond what is expected of them namely it's volunteering schemes, health and wellbeing workshops, Punjabi lessons and religious tours for schools and police officers learning about Sikh faith.

The two charities also provide a space for their community to connect spiritually, provide food for visitors and poverty support including food parcels and hot meals.

Trustee, Amarjit Singh Atwal, said: “I’m delighted our organisations, which have been established for over 40 years, have been recognised with this highest award for voluntary services.

"Although we are a small community, through the commitment and dedication of our volunteers we have a big output of services across Northampton.

"I pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of our past and present volunteers whose selfless efforts have led to this award and recognition."

Later this year the groups have said it will plan to expand the range of support services on offer as it relocates to a new purpose-built building in St James Mill Road and out of St George's Street.

The award, which has been given to 230 charities and groups this year including an environmental group in Swansea and arts centre in County Down, was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and will be presented by The Lord Lieutenants in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties.