TOO many hard-working volunteer groups in London are going unnoticed, a deputy lieutenant has claimed.

After only 13 community organisations were nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2015, organisers are calling on more people to nominate good causes in their area this year.

The Queen’s Voluntary Service was established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and celebrates the tireless efforts of volunteer groups across the country.

But despite the capital’s large and diverse population, the lord lieutenant for greater London Kenneth Olisa OBE, is concerned not enough London-based groups are getting the recognition they deserve.

He said: “Last year we didn’t even have one nomination for every borough.

“There is a huge number of dedicated volunteer groups in London, we meet them every day, and their work needs recognizing.

“We all know volunteers are the glue that holds communities together and their good work does much to counteract society’s naysayers who argue that we live in an unfeeling city.

“Look around you – if you admire the work of a voluntary group, nominate them.”

Deputy lieutenant for Redbridge and ex-councillor Thomas Chan echoed Mr Olisa’s request.

The 65-year-old, of St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, said: “The whole ethos of volunteering is that you do something good without expecting anything in return.

“So we want to reward those people who sacrifice their time and energy for a good cause.

“It’s not about how big the organisation is or how much money or staff it has – this is about celebrating individuals and their commitment and dedication.”

Redbridge has a history of success with the award scheme, after Redbridge Carer Support Service bagged the prestigious accolade in 2013.

Any locally-run group of more than two volunteers can be nominated, providing they were founded more than three years ago and at least half of them have the right to work in the UK.

Winners will be presented with a certificate signed by the Queen and will be in with a chance of a visit to Buckingham Palace themselves.

Nominations are open for next year's award until September this year.

For more information on how to get involved, see the website.

https://qavs.direct.gov.uk/