ChelmsleyWood-based social enterprise receives highest award given to local volunteer groups

Earlier this month the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Stuart Davis congratulated members of Gro-Organic on being awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service: the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.

The organisation, based in Chemsley Wood, focuses on delivering outstanding green spaces and investing in the community.

Through their projects involving local schools, people who want to improve their mental and physical well being, and individuals with disabilities, Gro-Organic aims to transform forgotten spaces into thriving community assets that in turn improves the life chance of people living in marginalised communities across Solihull.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the MBE equivalent for volunteer groups across the United Kingdom. The award recognises the benefit a service brings to the local community and its standing within that community.

As a Community Interest Company, all of Gro-Organic’s profits are re-invested into improving the lives of local people through land-based projects and outdoor education.

Members of the Gro-Organic team – (left to right) Stacey Sammons, Christine Gill, Nicola Reid and Anna Allen – were in the Mayor’s Parlour where they were thanked for their service to the local community.

The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Stuart Davis said: “This tremendous honour is representative of the vital contributions Gro-Organic has made to the Solihull area. Their passionate commitment to creating and preserving wonderful green spaces in our community is a shining standard that we should all strive towards. Therefore, I can think of no organisation more deserving of this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“The fact that such an honour has been given to a Solihull-based organisation fills my heart with pride and demonstrates the warmth and generosity present in our thriving community. The recognition of Gro-Organic goes to show that Solihull is a place full of truly miraculous people dedicated to improving the everyday lives of others.”

Gro-Organic are expected to receive their award next month.