The winners of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) have been announced for 2022. We spoke to five of this year’s winners to see what the award means to them.

What is The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service?

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups in their communities.

Winners of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service receive a certificate signed by the Queen, as well as a domed glass crystal. They will also be able to nominate two representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party.

Who won The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022?

A total of 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from across the UK were awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022 (Gazette issue 63720).

We take a closer look at five of this year’s winners of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service:

Stroud District Action on Plastic

Stroud District Action on Plastic is a community group run by volunteers of all ages in Stroud, Gloucestershire. They work with individuals, businesses, local schools, festival organisers and other community organisations keen to reduce their plastic footprint by providing an innovative drop-in advisory service, running projects with schools, litter-picks, workshops and a website.

Claudi Williams, Chair of Stroud District Action on Plastic, said: “We are delighted for our volunteers' work and engagement in the community to be recognised with this prestigious award. Plastic overuse and pollution is a scourge on the environment we live in and is a topic that concerns all of us. Tackling the problem by yourself can feel overwhelming. By working towards a plastic-free community, we have shown that everyone plays a vital part and that together we can make a real impact locally.”

Port William Community Association

Founded in 1950, the village of Port William lays on the eastern shore of Luce Bay in Galloway, Scotland, and is home to the Port William Community Association. Throughout the year the group maintains the fabric of the village, running the community-owned seasonal caravan site, encouraging community development, volunteering and rural regeneration. The resilience group is one of the most important areas the group focus on and offers care and support in the community whenever the need may arise.

Davina Kiltie from Port William Community Association said: “We are extremely honoured and proud to be awarded the highest of accolade from the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Award highlights the commitment shown by our volunteers past and present who have built our group up to be what it is today. We are a community group with a community spirit and are highlighting the importance of keeping small villages alive.”

Park Lane Stables RDA

Based in Teddington, Park Lane Stables RDA is one of the few remaining stables in London, providing access to horses for all in a safe, welcoming oasis of calm and happiness. Having kept horses since at least the 1830s, when the local fire service kept them to pull the fire wagon, today its 26 therapy ponies support 700+ participants each year offering 4,000+ assisted riding, horse care, carriage driving and hippotherapy sessions for children and adults in need, including those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, ASD, mental health illnesses, social needs and others who lead challenging lives.

Natalie O'Rourke MBE (Gazette issue 63571), Head of Park Lane Stables RDA, said: “Our volunteers are the critical lifeblood of Park Lane Stables and, without them, the magic would not happen. It’s not just about leading ponies and supporting our participants – there’s a whole army of invisible volunteers behind the scenes too: from digital marketing experts, to poo-pickers in the field, to our amazing board of trustees. They all give their time freely, with commitment, with passion and with a smile. We are absolutely delighted that they are receiving the recognition that they so richly deserve.”

Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team

Supporting the communities of Mid and South Wales since 1963, Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team provides a mountain rescue service to local people and visitors, as well as education talks to schools, youth groups and the public. The voluntary organisation is responsible for covering the central section of the Brecon Beacons including South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du as well as the Ystradfellte waterfalls. The Team is made up of unpaid volunteers, who give up their time to help those in need.

Penny Brockman, Chair of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team, said: “We are absolutely delighted and immensely proud to have our 59 years of service to the community recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade for any charity. This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of team members, past and present, who have remained on call 24/7, throughout the year — whatever the weather — to help those who are injured or need help in the hills and localities of South Wales. It is recognition too for the families and employers who stand compassionately behind us, as we leave home or work at a moment’s notice to help others. We couldn't do what we do without their support and understanding.”

Hope House Ireland

Located on the water edge at the picturesque beach of Browns Bay in Islandmagee, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, Hope House Ireland provides free, tranquil supportive accommodation by the sea, for adult cancer sufferers and their carers to rest and recuperate. The house has spectacular views overlooking the sea and surrounding countryside, just miles from Belfast.

On receiving the award, Dawn McConnell, Chair & Founder of Hope House, said: “We are delighted and very proud to have been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in Her Majesty's special Platinum Jubilee year. We are so grateful to receive this award on behalf of all the HOPE champions who give their time, talents and services in many hours of volunteering to help others Stand Up To Cancer. Thank you to everyone who has supported us since the charity was founded eight years ago. This award is for you.”

See also

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2022

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

Find out more

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (GOV.UK)

Publication date: 7 June 2022

Any opinion expressed in this article is that of the author and the author alone, and does not necessarily represent that of The Gazette.