The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteering groups in the UK. Equivalent to an MBE, The KAVS is awarded for life.
The award was first established in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee under the name of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Following the accession of His Majesty The King, The award continues to celebrate the best of local volunteering across the UK yearly. Today on His Majesty’s actual birthday, we celebrate the very best of local volunteering, showcasing how volunteer groups create a positive impact in their communities.
Despite the myriad of challenges faced by volunteer groups over the last couple of years, this year’s awardees serve as the hearts of their communities, dedicating themselves to benefitting the lives of those around them. Below features some inspiring examples that showcase the impact volunteer groups have on their local community. This year’s awardees provide unique and exceptional services to their community, through the sheer power of volunteering.
Here are just a few of this year’s well-deserving recipients:
Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton
For over 40 years, Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat (SGRS) has been supporting the needs of disadvantaged individuals in Luton. The group reaches across racial, ethnic and faith boundaries to help their fellow citizens, offering everything from a hot meal to legal advice, meeting diverse community needs.
The volunteers run classes in practical life skills such as IT, sewing, languages, and cooking, empowering people through education and supporting their personal growth. Beyond education, SGRS fosters a sense of community spirit and social cohesion, organising events like Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, as well as group trips.
Through their tireless dedication to their community, the volunteers of SGRS continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
National Coastwatch Institution (Nells Point)
Located just on Barry Island, Nells point is home to the second largest tidal range in the world. The volunteers of National Coastwatch Institution (Nells Point) work to ensure the safety of coastal users all year round, both locals and visitors alike.
Around 42 dedicated volunteers not only handle watchkeeping but also promote water safety on Barry. The volunteers collaborate with search and rescue professionals such as HM Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre, RNLI Barry Lifeboat Station, and Barry’s local Coastguard Team to name just a few, in order to keep the Barry’s annual visitors safe.
Their work is highly respected by their partners, a testament to the essential service they provide.
CareSound Radio
CareSound Radio is a dynamic community radio station that focuses on health and wellness. Listeners include hospital patients, care home residents and the wider community in Perth, Scotland.
Founded in 1988 the radio station has grown and evolved over the years to ensure they are able to reach their beneficiaries. Volunteers will visit their listeners to take requests addressing loneliness and ensuring everyone feels valued in their community.
Youth Sport Omagh
In County Tyrone the volunteers of Youth Sport Omagh have built and continue to maintain an innovative cross-community multi-sports facility for the use of their community. Opening in 2002, Youth Sport Omagh provides high quality sporting opportunities and coaching to all no matter their ability. Sports include football, Gaelic games, athletics, rugby, cycling and hockey.
On Thursday 14th November we announce this year’s recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in The Gazette and Gov.uk.
All this year’s successful groups will be presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature by the Lord-Lieutenant at a locally arranged event. They also receive two invitations to attend a Royal Garden Party the following year.