Student-led charity awarded 'MBE for volunteer groups'

Oxford Hub has been given the honour – known as the MBE for volunteer groups – in recognition of its outstanding work in the local community.

Part of the national Student Hubs network, Oxford Hub is led by a committee of 14 students who co-ordinate 50 community volunteering projects and 21 social enterprises across the city, benefiting over 1,000 people each year.

In total, 600 students in Oxford volunteer for Hub projects, which have included the Schools Plus tutoring scheme, fundraising for the Helen and Douglas House hospice, and Oxford Aid to the Balkans.

Henry Owen, president of Oxford Hub, said: 'I'm so pleased that the Hub has been honoured with this award. It recognises students' passion and dedication to positive social change.

'It's great to receive recognition for the progress we've made towards our goal of making volunteering an established and normal part of the student experience at Oxford University.

'Since its inception the Hub has encouraged more students to give back to the local community and become citizens of Oxford rather than just temporary visitors. We're very proud of the many student-led projects that we've supported through their initial stages that we’re now seeing flourishing in Oxford, and we look forward to incubating the next generation of innovative projects for social change around the University.'

Representatives of Oxford Hub will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace on 10 June with fellow award recipients. The Lord Lieutenant of Oxford will officially present the award to Oxford Hub later in the year.