Gurjar Hindu Union wins the highest voluntary service award in UK

A 54-year-old charity in Crawley has won the highest award for a voluntary group in the UK.

The Gurjar Hindu Union (GHU), Crawley in West Sussex has won the Queen’s Award for voluntary service in 2021.

The charity, which serves the Indian community in Crawley, offers activities for children, young people and the elderly and provides skills training. Besides, it provides cultural and supportive services to the Hindu and wider community, a statement said.

The GHU gives support and service for the community through Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre, known as Apple Tree Centre, which was built 11 years ago.

It represents 5,000 members from 1,200 families from Hindu/Indian background.

The charity will receive the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, later this year. Two volunteers will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2022, the statement further said.

‘I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Gurjar Hindu Union. The challenges of the last year have put immense pressure on the voluntary sector across the country, and here in West Sussex we have seen countless groups and individuals give their time and expertise to help others, and we have been reminded yet again of the vital contribution that volunteers make to their communities," said The Lord-Lieutenant.

"The Award is a tremendous accolade for Gurjar Hindu Union and I sincerely hope that their achievements will encourage other volunteer groups to consider putting themselves forward for nomination for this prestigious award.’

Voluntary organisations in West Sussex including 4Sight Vision Support, Olive Tree Cancer Support Group and Streetlight UK were also honoured with the award.

This year, 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK have received the award.

Introduced in 2002, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups that benefit their local communities.

The winners are announced each year on 2 June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.