THIS week, Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

The volunteers who run a centre in Amersham, to help families who are affected by relationship breakdowns, have had their work honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this June.

The Chiltern Child Contact Centre is based in Amersham and it provides a place for children to meet with parents with whom they are no longer living, in a safe and supported, neutral environment.

There are lots of toys and games, with Child Contact Centres being equipped to meet the diverse needs of the children who come along.

Having visited the Amersham Centre last December, I can say what a lovely place it is, with volunteers who make everybody feel most welcome.

Nationally there are 4,000 volunteers and staff who help the families.

More than 20,000 children come to centres like the Amersham one each year, which is a real testament to the positive work that they are doing.

I was also very pleased that the volunteers at the Chalfont St Giles Youth Club have been honoured with the Queen’s Award, as the club has been running now for 73 years and literally generations of families have been involved.

The volunteers of Buckinghamshire Mind have also been recognised, who do such sterling work across the county. They have a base in Chesham, as well as others across the county. Buckinghamshire Mind first began helping local people over a century ago and now they reach out to people of all ages.

In their own words, they are involved in: “wellbeing groups, peer support groups, older adults’ services, befriending, employment support, counselling for adults and young people, peer support in schools, education for children and young people, outreach and training.”

Congratulations to all of these magnificent groups and many more throughout Buckinghamshire.