A charity with a branch in Lambeth which offers guidance and practical support to young people over matters relating to sexual health has won an award set up in honour of the late Queen.
Brook – a national sexual health and well-being charity which runs services at Gracefield Gardens, Streatham, has been given the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteer Award.
It is in recognition of outstanding work, empowering and supporting young people under the age of 25.
The one-off awards were set up to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and look to recognise charities working with volunteers to provide 16-25 year olds with skills and opportunities.
Brook is one of only 20 charities chosen to receive the award, which were personally approved by his Majesty, King Charles.
Brook is part of DASH Lambeth, a free, confidential service offering young people support with sexual health, drugs and alcohol.
As part of DASH Lambeth, Brook provides young people with STI testing and treatment, contraception, condoms and pregnancy testing.
Brook also delivers relationships and sex education in schools, empowering young people to take control of their sexual health and have healthy relationships.
Helen Marshall, chief executive of Brook, said: “It is a real honour to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award.
“Brook supports over 120,000 young people every year through our clinical and education services, and our young volunteers play an integral role in this.
“They not only support the day-to-day running of our operations, but crucially shape how our services are delivered.
“It is their insights and experiences we draw on to inform our practice, ensuring that we can empower young people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing.
Cassie Rattray, 24, was supported by Brook when she was a teenager and now volunteers with the charity. She said: “Brook is a charity I hold dear to my heart.
“They helped me and my friends when we were teenagers, providing us with so much support and guidance with sexual health and relationships.
“Now I volunteer with them and I see just how hard all the staff work to make Brook a safe and inclusive space for young people.”
For more information on how Brook support young people in Lambeth, visit brook.org.uk/dash
Pictured top: Volunteers for Brook offering advice and support (Picture: Brook Young People)
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