On Saturday, 21 October, more than 220 guests at Reach Society’s 6th Recognition Awards celebrated the Society’s national honour, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service or QAVS (which is also known as the MBE for volunteer groups) which was won last June. This was a historic achievement because Reach Society became the first social enterprise, led by a team of male professionals in the Black community, to win this national honour.

The Society’s Patron, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer welcomed everyone to the Society’s signature event; and three Deputy Lieutenants of Greater London – Mrs Mei Sim Lai, OBE; Thomas Chan and Piers Storie-Pugh, OBE – spearheaded the QAVS celebration.  

Professor Bill Leahy, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Brunel University London, gave a heartwarming tribute to the Society for winning this national honour. He reminded the audience that this is the highest honour available to any voluntary group. The keynote speaker Rene Carayol, MBE, the founder and CEO of Inspired Leaders Network, congratulated the Society for the work it is doing with young people; and highlighted the importance of taking responsibility for ourselves in order to make the community more robust and resilient. 

Please see the full report here  

Please see the photos here