Royal recognition for Wolverhampton charity supporting vulnerable families
A royal honour has been gifted to a troupe of volunteers fighting to give women and children a new lease of life.
The Haven's staff, volunteers and supporters united for an afternoon of empowering celebrations.
It came as the Wolverhampton team were handed the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for their 'inspirational' work with families affected by domestic violence, homelessness and abuse.
Volunteer and corporate project lead Marta Rios said: "We are extremely honoured to receive this recognition and we are extremely proud of this achievement.
"Volunteers at The Haven play a crucial role in delivering vital services to women and children. All our volunteers are making a huge difference in our organisation."
Guests assembled at Wolverhampton's Light House as the charity received its royal recognition, receiving a glistening crystal award and certificate on October 13.
The accolade is the highest award dished out to voluntary groups across the nation to mark work done within their communities - just seven Wolverhampton groups received the royal prize this year.
Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Major Sylvia Parkin, who presented the award to The Haven, said: "This wonderful organisation is an inspiration to us all.
"Without volunteers, the women and children who use The Haven would be at immediate risk. It is an exceptional organisation."
The special prize-giving ceremony also celebrated the 44,303 hours of support 158 volunteers dedicated to the Waterloo Road-based charity over the past year.
Their hours of help meant volunteers, who were also handed their own awards in celebration, made a financial contribution of at least £318,984 to The Haven.
Councillor for Tettenhall Regis Barry Findlay, who joined the festivities, said: "This is a fantastic thing we are celebrating. As a community working together, we can achieve so much more than when we are divided.
"Volunteers make a fantastic and unbelievable difference to people's lives and The Haven is a fine example of that."
The Haven, which launched in 1973 and is one of the largest refuge provides in the UK, offers a range of support services to women and children in need across the city.
This includes providing 63 units of accommodation in secure refuges across Wolverhampton and a 24 hour domestic abuse helpline.
