Salford’s The Lowry wins the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

When you go to The Lowry and get a nice welcome from the people behind the information desk, or those who take your tickets on the way in to one of their three theatres, or who answer your question about where the toilet is and can you validate your car park voucher, then these are the lovely people who have won a prestigious award for volunteering.

Many organisation use volunteers in roles which don’t require full time hours, and pervious organisations which have benefitted from schemes like this include Imperial War Museum North.

The volunteer scheme at The Lowry has hundreds of members – some do the odd shift here and there whilst others are never away from the place. As part of the organisations commitment to local and young people, priority is given to anyone who lives in Salford or who is aged between 18 and 25.

The benefit? Well if you’re interested in culture, art and entertainment, you get to see some fantastic shows for nothing, albeit interrupted by having to do some actual work and, for many, volunteering is a way of meeting people and being part of a community. For some, it leads to paid work in departments like the Box Office, Hospitality and Catering. The award has been warmly welcomed by bot the staff and volunteers at The Lowry.

And whilst The Lowry isn’t the only winner, the shortlist of those being awarded is indeed chosen by her maj herself. The Queen, not Madonna.

So next time you’re asking someone at The Lowry where the loo is, doff your cap and congratulate them!

Visit The Lowry at The Quays