The Berkshire Lieutenancy

Six Berkshire groups win The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024

Six Berkshire groups have been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2024.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK. 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups are receiving this prestigious award. Their work reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The Berkshire winning groups are as follows: 

  • Cianna’s Smile – Providing support for young people, and their families, affected by Sickle Cell. 
  • Freely Fruity – Relieve poverty amongst individuals by growing fruit trees & edible plants and sharing with food banks. 
  • Loose Ends Newbury – Welcoming drop-in centre for the homeless and vulnerable. Making a difference with a hot meal. 
  • Newbury Riding for the Disabled Ltd – Horses and helpers enriching disabled children mentally and physically in a happy, positive environment
  • Soulscape – Helping young people to deal with life’s pressures, their wellbeing and promoting good mental health. 
  • The Baby Bank – Providing essential support to children 0-16 and their parents experiencing hardship.

 

Each group will receive their award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant at a presentation event in February. In addition, two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

Equivalent to an MBE, the KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and it’s awarded for life. Further details on entrance criteria and the nomination process are available here.

Nominations for the 2025 Awards close on 1 December 2024.