Dundee Independent Advocacy Support (DIAS) has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK for outstanding work in their community.
DIAS provides independent advocacy for citizens within the Dundee area who experience disadvantage, disability and social exclusion to champion their rights, to strengthen their voices and to influence a citizens’ health and well being outcomes.
DIAS have seen significant growth in demand for its service over the last few years, of which volunteers play a large part, contributing over 22 hours of support per week.
The photo shows Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Harris (centre) with voluntary Board members Mandy Christie and Susan Ross at the Volunteer Dundee Awards Ceremony at the Apex on 1 June 2016. Well done Veronica for being recognised as runner up Volunteer Manager of the Year!
Mandy was a very active committee member of the former Blackness Area Residents' Association in the past and I am delighted that she and her colleagues' excellent work has been recognised.