Notts LGBT+ Network honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Notts LGBT+ Network has been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Equivalent to an MBE, this accolade is the highest recognition a local voluntary group can achieve in the UK.

Established in 2002 during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Awards scheme celebrates outstanding contributions by local volunteer groups to their communities.

Operated entirely by volunteers, Notts LGBT+ Network has been supporting Nottinghamshire’s LGBTQ+ community since 1975, initially as the Nottingham Lesbian and Gay Switchboard.

Over the past five decades, these volunteers have assisted over 80,000 individuals and collaborated with numerous local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.

Notts LGBT+ Network not only runs a phone, text, and online chat service on weeknights but also manages the largest online resource hub in the county for LGBTQ+ social groups, support services, and events.

The Network also conducts training sessions on various LGBTQ+ issues for businesses and organisations.

Mala Abel, Chair of Notts LGBT+ Network, said:  “This award is a real honour and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers – not just those who are part of our Network today, but every single person who has volunteered with us since 1975.

“They have been there, particularly through some of the toughest times for our community, and continue to be of service today, offering a friendly ear, helping people find the support they need and creating a safe space for those looking for information and help relating to sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.”