Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award scheme launches to recognise youth charities

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is marking the monarch’s platinum jubilee this year by recognising the work of young people's charities .

The award scheme aims to pay tribute to 20 national charities that are providing skills and opportunities to young people.

Those that can apply for the award must have been in operation for at least five years, involve volunteers in their work and work UK wide. The deadline for applications is 17 June.

A judging panel, headed by former NCVO chair Martyn Lewis, will select the 20 recipients of the award.

Also on the judging panel is UK Youth chief executive Ndidi Okezie, former CEO of volunteer Scotland George Thomson and former Children in Wales chief executive Catriona Williams.

Judging is scheduled for July to September with awards announced in October. A presentation event is scheduled for November.

Th focus of the award will be on charities that support 16- to 25-year-olds. This can be specialist support for this age group.

In March more than 90 community projects shared £4.5m in National Lottery funding to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

This included project supporting people with brain injuries as well as gardening activities for veterans.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award the monarch gives to voluntary groups.