The Genesis Project in Middlesbrough given King's Award
The community project has been awarded it for Voluntary Service
The Genesis Project in Middlesbrough has been given one of the first King's Awards for Voluntary Service.
It is in the category of promoting opportunity through social mobility.
The Genesis Project, based in Grove Hill, is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.
The Genesis Project, which was established 20 years ago, provides a range of services and activities for the whole family, including a community garden, an eco shop/food bank, a children’s club and gym, a parent and toddler group.
The Reverend Kath Dean, the Chair of the Genesis Project, said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, who have made this project possible. We are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve, and we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our work on a national level.”
The Genesis Project has been supported by the County Durham Community Foundation, which has funded the project under its Poverty Hurts campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds to tackle the root causes and effects of poverty in County Durham and the surrounding areas.
Dr Michelle Cooper, the Chief Executive of the County Durham Community Foundation, said: “We are very proud of the Genesis Project and their amazing achievement. They are a shining example of how a grassroots community project can transform a neighbourhood and empower people to overcome their challenges.
“We are glad to have been able to support them through our Poverty Hurts campaign, and we hope that their success will inspire others to get involved and make a difference.”
The Genesis Project will receive the award from one of the King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant, at a ceremony at their premises. They will also be invited to a royal reception and be able to use the King’s Award emblem on their marketing materials.