Winners of the 2024 King's Award for Voluntary Service

The winners of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024 (KAVS) have been announced in a special supplement of The Gazette. We take a closer look at four of this year’s volunteer groups.

What is The King’s Award for Voluntary Service?

The King's Award for Voluntary Service (previously Queen's Award for Voluntary Service) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, being equivalent to the MBE. The prestigious award recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups in their communities.

Winners of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service receive a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal. Up to two representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Who won The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024?

A total of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from across the UK were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. You can see all the recipients below:

Gazette issue 64568

We take a closer look at four of this year’s winners of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service:

Friends of Oystermouth Castle (West Glamorgan, Wales)

Friends of Oystermouth Castle in West Glamorgan was first formed in 1989, seeking to preserve and promote the historical significance of the 12th century Oystermouth Castle. The volunteers have achieved this and so much more, rescuing and transforming the Castle into a major, vibrant, tourist and education venue for the region of West Glamorgan and beyond.

The castle is owned by the local council, but initially little use was made of it until Friends of Oystermouth Castle’s volunteers intervened. Thanks to the work of the group, Oystermouth Castle has maintained its status as a Grade 1-listed building.

But most importantly, Friends of Oystermouth Castle’s volunteers see their role as custodians of the castle. Its volunteers ensure the castle is able to cater to visitors across the UK, the world and its local residents. They educate young people on Welsh culture and provide friendship for the community in the form of innovative events.

Chalke Valley Community Hub & Stores (Wiltshire, England)

A village and coffee shop based in Broadchalke, Wiltshire, Chalke Valley Community Hub & Stores is the beating heart of its local community. Run by volunteers, the hub truly celebrates the culture of the community in Chalke Valley. As a village shop, it stocks a wide range of everyday and special products, with a prime focus on locally made and fresh produce.

The hub and store provides an inclusive meeting place for a wide range of local community groups and interests, ranging from a children’s reading group to providing a safe haven for the elderly, lonely and infirm. Chalke Valley also provides a range of social events and cultural activities, led and run by its volunteers.

It is a true lifeline to local people, and during the COVID-19 pandemic it became a boost to the rural economy keeping local customs and culture alive. Providing work experience for teenagers and young people, it establishes itself at the centre of the community’s future. The commitment of its volunteers is truly what drives the community of Broadchalke, truly capturing the spirit of The King’s Award for Voluntary Services.

Cathedral Youth and Community Hub in Londonderry

Cathedral Youth and Community Hub (The County Borough of Londonderry, Northern Ireland)

The Cathedral Youth and Community Hub in Londonderry began operating out of Cathedral Primary School in 1972 amidst unrest. The youth hub is led by volunteers and 50 plus years since its establishment, it continues to be a vibrant part of the community by providing so much more than just a hub. The work of the volunteers in Cathedral Youth and Community Hub has helped prevent many young children from engaging in antisocial sectarian behaviour, including exposure to paramilitary groups.

The group has expanded to not only providing services and support for young people, but also extended their support as a hub for local families. Cathedral Youth and Community Hub’s volunteers are paving the way for social cohesion through their services and encouraging young people to embrace their community.

Footprints (Banffshire, Scotland)

Footprints in Banffshire, Scotland is a charming weekly club-based activity which primarily addresses the needs of those with a learning disability in the community. However, Footprints keeps its remit broad to cater for the needs of its local area and members. To deliver its services, Footprints relies on, and is driven by, its local volunteers to provide vibrant activities, such as talks from local emergency services, first aiders and local lifeboat crew. These activities provide members with a safe space to relax and feel empowered.

The volunteers at Footprints interact with members, families and carers with a great deal of care, sensitivity and attend to them extremely well. Volunteers are able to build rapport with members, in turn fostering a sense of inclusion between those with learning disabilities and the local community. This is an inspiring example of how a local community volunteer group is driving inclusivity, embodying the very goal of this award.

Gazette commemorative edition

Celebrate your honour with a commemorative edition

If your group has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, The Gazette is available to buy as a personalised commemorative edition. Each pack contains a complete edition of The Gazette from the day the honour was published.

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Find out more

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (GOV.UK)

Images

Friends of Oystermouth Castle

Cathedral Youth and Community Hub

The Gazette

Publication date

14 November 2024

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