A Bedfordshire charity dedicated to providing emotional and practical support to people affected by the trauma, bereavement or serious injury from road collisions has won a
highly prestigious award in recognition of services provided.
The Road Victims Trust, based in Kempston, has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest possible award bestowed on volunteers organisations in the UK.
The award reflects the magnificent work and care provided to people in the aftermath of a fatal road traffic collision on the roads of Bedfordshire since the inception of the Trust in 1995.
The RVT is a non-profit making registered charity dedicated to supporting people who have been affected by the grief and trauma of a road death.
It provides a range of practical and emotional support to families, friends and colleagues of persons killed on the road, as well as to witnesses of such collisions.
In 2013-2014 alone it provided support to 207 people.
Speaking about the award, the newly- appointed Chief Executive Mark Turner said: “This is an absolutely wonderful tribute to every single person who is associated with the Road Victims Trust.
“Everyone here is thrilled and humbled that the amazing work of our staff and volunteers has been recognised in such a fashion.
“Our counselling volunteers, supported by highly skilled and dedicated Co-ordinators, provide support to so many persons who are at their lowest possible ebb.
“We continue to support those persons for as long as they feel necessary, no matter how long that takes.
“We are all extremely grateful for the skill and compassion they give to their work. The manner we provide this support is unique nationally and we are very proud of this.
“Our volunteers work tirelessly to give the best level of support.
“Many have been with us for several years and we are delighted they have been recognised in such a way”
The Road Victims Trust has expanded into Hertfordshire since 2010 and Cambridgeshire since 2013 - providing the same high standards of support and care.
The Trust is also looking for new counselling volunteers who will receive training and support as they help victims.
To find out more about the work of the charity visit its’ website at www.rvtrust.org.uk