Charity scoops double royal award win after supporting Wolverhampton's vulnerable families

Volunteers and staff at The Haven were left in high spirits after hearing they were just one of 40 winners of the Princess Royal Training Award across the country.

It is the second time this year the team have received royal recognition for their work supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, homelessness and abuse.

Rebecca Matthews, training coordinator at The Haven, said: "It's an amazing accolade to have been awarded.

"To be recognised for the training and support we give to our peer mentors is a true honour. It means so much to us and to our peer mentors.”

The honour, backed by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, recognises groups across the nation for their commitment to delivering 'outstanding' training and skills development programmes.

Judges commended the Waterloo Road charity for its low-cost peer mentoring programme delivered by volunteers who are survivors of domestic abuse to all faiths and ethnicities.

The Haven was crowned one of the winners after judges received 116 applications for the award this year.

Chris Jones, chief executive of the City & Guilds Group - which delivers the awards - said: "It’s fantastic to celebrate the second annual Princess Royal Training Awards and honour organisations in the charitable and non-for-profit sector.

"It has never been more important for Britain’s businesses to invest in training to boost their productivity, address skills gaps and develop their leaders which successful organisations like The Haven Wolverhampton are demonstrating.

"I congratulate all the successful organisations who presented examples of the innovative, inspiring and impactful training that’s taking place across the UK today.

"They are truly worthy recipients of this rigorously assessed royal award and we are delighted to be able to honour their achievements through the Princess Royal Training Awards."

The latest award win comes less than a month after the charity was gifted with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for its 'inspirational' work.

Guests came together at Wolverhampton's Light House as the charity received a glistening crystal award and certificate.

The award is the highest accolade dished out to voluntary groups in the UK to mark work done within their communities - just seven Wolverhampton groups received the royal prize this year.

The Haven, which launched in 1973 and is one of the largest refuge provides in the UK, will be handed its Princess Royal Training Award during a glittering ceremony at London's St James' Palace today.

It offers a range of support services to women and children in need across the city, which includes providing 63 units of accommodation in secure refuges across Wolverhampton and a 24 hour domestic abuse helpline.

The team also provide training courses to help business working with women and children to understand signs of abuse.