A Swindon homeless charity is to receive the highest accolade a local voluntary group can be given.

Big Breakfast Plus is one of 281 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups across the country to be honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

The award is equivalent to an MBE, and is the highest honour that can be given to a voluntary group.

The charity serves up breakfasts seven days a week at the Pilgrim Centre in the town centre for the homeless and those who are hungry.

It is run almost entirely by volunteers, with only four part-time paid staff members.

Read more: Big Breakfast Plus add fruit bags to homeless food service

Despite limited resources, the team manages to serve 80 to 90 breakfasts daily, with the number rising to 120 on busier days. The team pride themselves on the warm, welcoming environment and fresh food.

Charlotte Mannion, chair of trustees for Big Breakfast Plus, said: "Our volunteers are all amazing, committed, and work brilliantly and I am so proud that they have won this prestigious award.

"They come in at 7am, and run a calm, smooth community cafe.

"They greet our guests and make them feel welcome and comfortable.

"They look out for new people, so they can show them where everything is.

"All our volunteers go through an induction and receive regular training throughout the year including food safety qualifications.

"This means we run a very efficient and professional operation.

"The way our volunteers, in teams of eight to ten each day, work together would be the envy of many organisations.

"They show off all the aspects of high performing teams all in a two-and-a-half-hour window day in and day out."

Read more: Restaurant reopens in Swindon after major rebrand

The King's Award for Voluntary Service, established in 2002 to commemorate the late Queen's Golden Jubilee, acknowledges the outstanding work of volunteer groups in supporting their communities.

This year marks the second year of the award being presented by The King.

The recipients of the award are announced annually on Thursday, November 14, the King’s Birthday.

Representatives from Big Breakfast Plus will be presented with the award crystal and certificate by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton next summer.

Two volunteers from Big Breakfast Plus will also be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June next year.

 

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