Blackburn youth volunteers win UK’s highest award

Blackburn with Darwen Council has congratulated a youth empowerment organisation after it became the third group in Blackburn with Darwen to have achieved the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Blackburn-based Inter Madrassah Organisation (IMO) won the annual prize in recognition of their work supporting disadvantaged youth from BME backgrounds and beyond.

The award, which coincides with the group’s 10th anniversary, honours the vital role played by the ‘unsung heroes’ of the voluntary world and is the highest distinction given to volunteer groups across the UK.

IMO volunteers have engaged with 3,000 young people and adults from the most deprived communities of Blackburn with Darwen over the last decade.

They were awarded for helping young people and families to overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Mohammed Khan said:

I would like to congratulate IMO on achieving the highest award given to local volunteer groups – the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

IMO are the third group in Blackburn with Darwen to have attained this wonderful distinction which recognises outstanding work performed by volunteers within their communities.

It is a great achievement for our town and we are excited to see how the fantastic work carried out by IMO will continue to benefit the local youth.”

The winners will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal later this summer.

The Award, launched in 2003, has previously been awarded to Blackburn Breast Care Support Group and Youth Action.