Press Release

9^th September 2002

Only 3 Weeks Left to Nominate Jubilee Heroes
With only three weeks left for nominations for the new Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award, MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has urged all those who have not yet nominated their local hero to do so now.

The awards seek to recognise outstanding achievement by voluntary groups throughout the UK who work to improve the quality of life for individuals or groups in their communities.

Mr McNeil said:

"Scotland has the highest rate of volunteering in the UK. And, if the hard work and dedication of Greenock and Inverclyde’s volunteers is anything to go by, it is little wonder."

"In my role as MSP, I have been lucky enough to see first hand the work done by many of our local voluntary groups. Not everyone, though, is in this fortunate position and this award is a great way of getting some wider recognition for the generosity and dedication of those who give their time to put something back into the community.

"If a local voluntary group helps you, or someone you know, and you would like to say thanks, I would urge you to nominate them now. You can get a nomination form simply by calling the Public Enquiry Line on 0845 000 2002."

Mr McNeil’s comments follow First Minister, Jack McConnell’s, welcome for the fact that Scottish entries are ahead of the rest.

"Early indications are that the number of enquiries and nominations received so far from Scotland are amongst the highest in the UK," the First Minister said on Friday.

He continued:

"This Award will bring deserved recognition to the many thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly throughout Scotland and elsewhere in the UK to help their fellow citizens. It is an opportunity for us to nominate and celebrate the invaluable contribution they make to our communities."
ENDS

Notes:

• The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups in the United Kingdom who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community.
• Successful groups will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of community involvement in the social, economic or environmental spheres, normally for three years or more.
• The scheme will annually grant 200 of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Awards, of which around 20 are expected to be awarded in Scotland.
• The closing date for nominations is 30^th September 2002. The first awards will be announced on 2^nd June 2003 (50^th anniversary of the Coronation).
• Over half of Scots volunteer each year, and some 27% on a regular basis, the highest rates of volunteering in the UK.
• Nomination forms are available from the Golden Jubilee Office’s website www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk or Public Enquiry Line on 0845 000 2002 or by email from the Scottish Executive at stuart.forbes@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
• For more information on The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award, please contact the Golden Jubilee Office on 020 7211 6145.

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