North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has celebrated the success of SMASH after it was awarded The Queen's Award.
SMASH (Swindon Mentoring and Self Help) run a mentoring scheme across Swindon, where adults are paired with a young person who faces significant challenges. Mentors meet with the same young person once a week to give support, encouragement and guidance. They encourage young people to believe in themselves, building up their self-confidence and helping them take the first steps towards achieving their goals.
The Queen’s Award, which SMASH received, is the equivalent to an MBE for a group and the highest honour in the UK for a voluntary sector organisation. SMASH was one of only two organisations in Wiltshire to have been awarded the honour and the only one located in Swindon.
Justin has worked with SMASH throughout his time as MP, including welcoming the organisation to make use of his community office in North Swindon, and nominating them for a prestigious Kids Count award. The North Swindon MP spoke at the presentation of the award, drawing on his own personal experiences with friends who lacked the kind of support network that SMASH would offer. He also highlighted in his speech the important and visible impact that the organisation has had on the lives of many unfortunate children locally, giving them the support they need to achieve their full potential.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I am delighted that once again the amazing work SMASH does has been recognised. Some youngsters require additional support to cope with complex issues at home and at school, which is why SMASH’s work is so important. Every single person deserves a chance, and everybody should be able to experience support from the people around them.”
