>On 30th April 2002 and to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, Her Majesty The Queen announced the creation of a new, annual Award: The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award, now known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Award recognises the vital role played by the hundreds of thousands of ‘unsung heroes’ of the voluntary and community world and emphasises the importance of continuing recognition of their work.

The number of Awards made each year is determined by the number and quality of the nominations received. Awards are made to groups operating in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man rather than to individuals.

This year, the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard became the second LGBT organisation ever to be honoured with the Award. The list of winners was announced by the Queen in June this year but the Award itself will be handed out shortly.

Founded in 1974, the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard aims to provide 24 hour access to high quality information support and referral for the empowerment of all lesbian and gay men and anyone who needs to consider lesbian and gay issues.

The helpline number is 020 7837 7324 and the recruitment hotline for volunteers is 020 7837 7606.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service