Whitby charity WHISH honoured with King's Award for Voluntary Service

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, formally presented WHISH with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), alongside Mrs Helen Collin DL and The Countess Charlotte Peel DL.

The King’s Award recognises outstanding work carried out by volunteer-led organisations.

The prestigious accolade is equivalent to an MBE and highlights WHISH’s exceptional dedication, impact and commitment to the lives of the families whose

children have hidden impairments, disabilities or Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Established in 2008, WHISH, a registered charity, provides a range of services tailored to meet the needs of children and young people in the Whitby and Esk Valley rural area who have disabilities, SEN or hidden impairments.

The services they provide are support groups and social activities for both children and adultsm currently providing support for more than 200 children and young people.

The charity was founded by volunteers and continues to be run by dedicated volunteer trustees today.

Every volunteer plays a vital role in helping WHISH continue their work every day, supporting the families and young people.

WHISH could not deliver the range of activities and support provided without their ongoing commitment, passion and generosity.

Their time and energy make everything possible, and this award is a tribute to their invaluable contribution.

During the ceremony, representatives of WHISH received the crystal award and certificate from His Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the area.

The event brought together volunteers, supporters and councillors, including Whitby Mayor Sandra Turner, Couns Neil Swannick and Davod Chance, to celebrate WHISH’s achievements.

Speaking at the presentation, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant praised WHISH’s commitment, stating that their efforts exemplify the very best of community spirit and service and that “WHISH is a gemstone in North Yorkshire”.

Steve Bremner, WHISH Chairperson, said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award.

"It means a great deal to be recognised for helping young people and their families in our community.

"We share this with everyone who makes our charity what it is: our brilliant staff and volunteers, the parents who support us and our partners and funders who believe in what we do. "

Yvonne Harrison, WHISH Charity Manager, added: “Volunteers, whether parents/carers or people from our community who want to give their time to a worthwhile cause, are a key part of the team.

"Our volunteers have helped hundreds of children and their families.

“Without them, we would not be as successful as we are today.

"It is a thoroughly deserved award.”

Shona, a WHISH volunteer, said it was “an absolute honour” for the charity to be recognised for The King’s Award and added: “WHISH has become a lovely community and I couldn’t imagine our town without it”.

Two volunteers from WHISH will be attending a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in May.

Visit www.whishgroup.org.uk to learn more about WHISH and how you can get involved.