A CHARITY has received a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service after 25 years of hard work in Oxford.o The Archway Foundation, which helps people overcome loneliness, has been recognised with an award that was set up in the Queen's Jubilee year for rewarding unsung heroes in the community.

Sheila Furlong, director of the charity, has worked as a volunteer for 14 years and is delighted with the award.

She said: "The award gives recognition for all the work and time volunteers have put into this. Without the volunteers, Archway would not exist.

"Loneliness affects everyone, we all need to feel valued and have a sense of belonging, so I'm grateful to all our volunteers who live such busy lives and still help us."

The charity has a team of more than 70 volunteers, who help organise social events throughout the week as well as individual visits.

Bernard Ferriman, 85, who is registered blind and has lived on his own in Botley for 40 years since he and his wife separated, has been attending the charity's social events for three years.

He said: "A disabled lady who lives next door put me in touch. The difference is that since I've been on my own I've been looking at wallpaper, I can't follow the TV or read because of my eyesight.

"What I missed most was having someone to talk to. That's the worst effect of loneliness and now it's been broken, and that has helped a lot."

Lord Lieutenant Hugo Brunner will present a certificate signed by the Queen on July 16 at Archway's headquarters.

The foundation will be celebrating the award with an art exhibition at the Oxford Centre for Enablement at Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital.

The exhibition, opened on Monday, features artwork created by friends of the foundation on the theme of friendship and loneliness.

Archway is always looking for more volunteers to help expand its charity work and Ms Furlong believes volunteering does not have to be a full time commitment.

She said: "It is important that anyone thinking about volunteer work should, above all, be a good communicator and listener. People are often put off volunteer work because they think once they start that they will be forced into doing more, but that's not the case.

"Whether it's driving a car or serving refreshments, volunteer work can take up as much or as little time as you like."

If you are interested in volunteer work, or if you or someone you know may benefit from becoming a friend of the foundation, call 01865 790552 or visit www.archwayfoundation.org.uk