A charity that delivers sexual health services in Blackburn with Darwen has won an award for their outstanding work.

Brook is a national sexual health and wellbeing charity that supports young people in Blackburn and Darwen through services such as STI testing and treatment, contraception and pregnancy testing.

It also offers a digital service, giving people access to contraception and STI testing and treatment online.

It has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteer Award, a one-off award set up to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and looks to recognise charities working with volunteers to provide 16–25-year-olds with skills and opportunities.

Brook was one of only 20 charities chosen to receive the award, all personally approved by King Charles III.

Helen Marshall, chief executive of Brook, said: “It is a real honour to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award.

"Brook supports over 120,000 young people every year through our clinical and education services, and our young volunteers play an integral role in this.

“They not only support the day-to-day running of our operations, but crucially shape how our services are delivered.

"It is their insights and experiences we draw on to inform our practice, ensuring that we can empower young people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing.

“We are extremely proud of our volunteer team in Blackburn with Darwen and across the country, and it means so much to have their dedication recognised with this award.”

Cassie Rattray, 24, was supported by Brook when she was a teenager and now volunteers with the charity.

She said: “Brook is a charity I hold dear to my heart. They helped me and my friends when we were teenagers, providing us with so much support and guidance with sexual health and relationships.

“Now I volunteer with them and I see just how hard all the staff work to make Brook a safe and inclusive space for young people.”

For more information on Brook’s work in Blackburn with Darwen, visit sexualhealthblackburn.co.uk