Gay switchboard’s Royal recognition - from Pink News - all the latest gay news from the gay community

Gay switchboard's Royal recognition

By Seth Ewin • June 15, 2007 - 15:15

The award began in 2002 to mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee, and emphasises the importance of continuing recognition of voluntary and community work.

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London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (LLGS) has been recognised for its 33-year commitment to the LGBT community with the 2007 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

It is the only LGBT organisation to be honoured this way in 2007 and is only the second since the award was set up.

LGBT helpline Oxford Friend won the award last year.

LLGS, the UK's biggest helpline dealing with LGBT issues, received the award in recognition of its history of providing confidential and non-judgemental listening, support, information and referrals for people across the UK.

"We are delighted to be chosen for the Queen's Award." said Steve Wilkinson, co-chair of London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard.

"Since our inception in March 1974, we've provided a vital service for gay men, lesbians and bisexuals, as well as their friends and families. Receiving this accolade is a recognition of our volunteers' hard work and our ongoing place in the LGBT community."

The award also recognises the work that LLGS has been doing on the Turing Project, a network to share information with other gay organisations across the country.

The Turing Project website at www.queery.org.uk provides a web-based database of venues, organisation and services for the LGBT community.

The award began in 2002 to mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee, and emphasises the importance of continuing recognition of voluntary and community work. There were 71 winners in 2007.

Winning groups receive a certificate signed by The Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at the group's main place of operation. The Awards are presented on behalf of The Queen by the local Lord-Lieutenant or Lieutenant-Governor.

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