A charity that helps people in crisis in Newquay has been presented with the highest accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

DISC Newquay received a King's Award for Voluntary Service, an MBE for volunteer groups.

Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall Edward Bolitho presented an award crystal and certificate to DISC volunteers at a special presentation ceremony at the charity’s headquarters at the Sandy Lodge in Hilgrove Road.

DISC manager Monique Collins with Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall Edward Bolitho (Warren Wilkins)

Councillor Jordan Rowse, the vice chairman of Cornwall Council, read out the citation explaining why DISC Newquay received the accolade.

The charity helps over 3,000 people in Newquay and the surrounding area by supplying and distributing fresh, homecooked meals.

Supplying fresh produce and tinned items, providing gas and electric top ups, keeping people connected if they don’t have a mobile phone, help struggling families purchase school uniforms and provides supermarket vouchers for families who are struggling to make ends meet. 

The team of volunteers also work to support Newquay’s Foodbank and a local community larder, provide travel fare, host small birthday parties for children who will otherwise go without and help with gas and electric top ups. 

They host a number of group sessions at their base at The Sandy Lodge Hotel, including art sessions for blind and partially sighted people, family art and craft afternoons, a parent and toddler group and free sewing sessions. 

One of their annual flagship projects sees the group provide 1,000 Christmas meals, put together 500 festive food boxes and make sure no child in Newquay goes without a Christmas present, by co-ordinating a massive brand new toy and gift drive.

DISC is one of 262 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the prestigious award, which is equivalent to an MBE, this year.  The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the award. 

Read more in next week’s Newquay Voice.