A charity that helps vulnerable people in Newquay has been awarded the highest accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.
DISC Newquay in Hilgrove Road have been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, an MBE for volunteer groups.
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.
Monique Collins, the manager of DISC, said: “Receiving this award is absolutely amazing. It was mind-blowing when I got the email. I am so proud that DISC has received this prestigious award and we are all over the moon. It’s incredible to think our group has been awarded an MBE.
“The volunteers at DISC work tirelessly every Monday, Thursday and Friday to help others.
"The team we have at the moment is like family. Everyone knows their role and what needs to be done and it runs like clockwork.
"Although it is very hard work, we really enjoy helping our local community and we have lots of fun along the way. I call them my dream team!
“DISC couldn’t do what it does without the help of lots of different organisations, charities, local businesses and individual people. We’d like to thank everyone who contributes including, Cornwall Community Foundation who are massive supporters of ours, Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club, FareShare South West, Sandy Lodge Hotel, Danish Crown at Bugle, Camel Creek, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Gleaning Cornwall, The Headland Hotel and Spa, Cash for Kids and everyone who donates to us on a regular basis.”
Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday. Representatives of DISC will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall Edward Bolitho later this summer.
Two volunteers will also get the chance to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s award.