Barking and Dagenham’s community and faith organisations Al Madina Mosque, Humdum and Kingsley Hall have each been honoured with a Queen’s Award for outstanding voluntary services.
Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK receive the award for their work across a wide range of fields, providing community support and empowering others. The awardees have all enhanced the lives of others through their work, with the highest number of awards this year going to the community support sector which includes food banks, village shops and fundraising events.
To mark the occasion, a special reception was held at Barking Town Hall, giving staff and volunteers from each of the groups the opportunity to get together over a cup of tea and cake.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “I could not be prouder to work with so many fantastic faith and community organisations in the borough who without doubt put residents right at the heart of what they do.
“The support being offered to residents is absolutely outstanding - from what HumDum do to provide nutritious hot meals to local people, to the safe spaces and community services provided by Al Madina and Kingsley Hall – I cannot begin to scratch the surface of the work that is happening in the community, for the community, led by the community.
“And it goes without saying, at a time when so many people are faced with soaring living costs, the work these organisations are doing is absolutely invaluable. This award is so truly deserved.”
The Queens Award, which is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, is also equivalent to an MBE. This year 244 organisations received the award, highlighting the continued breadth and depth of voluntary service undertaken.
ENDS
Humdum: The organisation is made up of a dedicated team of community volunteers who prepare fresh, nutritious, hot meals several times a week for local people who are facing hardship. The team also work closely with local grassroots initiatives to extend support to the wider community, including local homeless hostels, care homes, individuals referred by the NHS and Bookbike London. https://humdum.org/about-us/
Al Madina Mosque: The Barking Muslims Association is a charitable trust registered with and overseen by the charities commission of England and Wales. The BMA administers the Al Madina mosque which is situated on the site at Victoria Road and encompasses three separate buildings on the complex. Over the last 30 years the Mosque has worked hard to become a hub for the local communities and is today acknowledged and recognised as a Beacon mosque. https://www.barkingmosque.org.uk/
Kingsley Hall: Kingsley Hall is a place for the people – a church and community centre at the heart of Barking and Dagenham for nearly 100 years. Since its work began in 1929, thousands have visited Kingsley Hall, to worship, celebrate and find friends, both in times of peace and times of great difficulty. It’s still the same today. This vibrant community hub, with café, preschool and church fellowships welcomes hundreds of people every week.