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Her Majesty the Queen honours Xplode Magazine

Her Majesty the Queen honours Xplode Magazine

Congratulations to all involved at Xplode Magazine, who work across the UK assisting 12 to 22 year olds with their employability skills. They’ve been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Xplode’s unique model of being created by and for young people has seen them go from strength to strength after being established in 2011. With our support, they’ve given young people the opportunity to showcase their writing and design abilities whilst improving their employability skills. They also offer nationwide training programmes on peer-to-peer basis.

This prestigious UK National Honour is an MBE for groups who work in their local community for the benefit of others. It recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

Speaking of their success, Chief Executive Saeed Atcha said: “We are incredibly delighted to receive this prestigious award, especially in Her Majesty’s 90th year. The fact that we’ve got an award the equivalent of an MBE is a great way to celebrate how we’ve helped over 2,000 young people since 2011. It’s just spectacular to have our work recognised at such a high level.”

Nominated by senior figures at O2, ASDA and Bolton Community and Voluntary Service, Xplode Magazine will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenant Warren J. Smith at a special ceremony later this summer.

Volunteers from Xplode Magazine attended a garden party at Buckingham Place on May 24 where they met the Queen and other winners of this year’s award.

Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, said: “I would like to congratulate Xplode Magazine who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The huge amount of work and commitment they put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer. I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a more compassionate society.”

Chief Execuitve of Bolton at Home, Jon Lord said "Bolton at Home are proud to support Xplode, and are delighted that they have been honoured in this way. It is well deserved". 

To learn more and check out the magazine; which covers youth culture, music, fashion, sport, entertainment, social issues and promotes emerging talent; head to www.xplodemag.co.uk.

Photo caption: Volunteers of Xplode Magazine with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J Smith.