Every week, voluntary groups across the UK make a powerful difference in their communities, offering vital support through passion, commitment, and sheer hard work. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive and, equivalent to an MBE, it recognises their exceptional impact.
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate all of this year’s award recipients, but a special shout-out goes to our own member organisations, whose brilliant work we see and appreciate every single day.
Huge congratulations to everyone recognised this year, and thank you for the remarkable contributions you make to our communities.
Our 2025 KAVS Recipients
On the 14 November, 231 voluntary groups were announced as being recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025. Seven of these were Action Together members (almost half of the North West awards!) and we couldn't be more delighted.
Discover the members who are among this year’s winners across:
Arts for Recovery in the Community (Arc)
Arts for Recovery in the Community are a leading arts and mental health charity, based at Hat Works in Stockport town centre. They work across Greater Manchester to provide arts programmes and services to improve people’s mental wellbeing and public programmes.
Find out more about their work: arc-centre.org
Deeplish Community Centre Association
Deeplish Community Centre Association have been the hub of their community since 1989, providing a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals and families can access resources, build connections, and unlock their potential.
They deliver a wide range of services that contribute to the area’s growth and regeneration. From education, arts, advice, wellbeing and health initiatives to volunteering opportunities and family support, they aim to empower individuals, celebrate diversity, and foster sustainable development.
Find out more about their work: deeplishcc.co.uk
Friends of Waterloo Park
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside, Friends of Waterloo Park are a group of volunteers who tirelessly promote the park, and bring the green space to life through events, activities and ongoing improvement projects.
Find out more about their work: facebook.com/FoWPAshton
My Coldhurst
Founded in 2018, My Coldhurst is a programme, educating and motivating the people of Coldhurst and surrounding areas to work together to build a clean and sustainable living environment for current and future generations.
A glimpse into their activities includes: monthly litter picks, facilitating a 'clean alleyway' scheme which encourages locals to 'love where they live', health and wellbeing sessions for young people aged 6-18, weekend activities for over 200 young people, and not forgetting their annual street parties, engaging and bringing the community together with almost 1,000 residents attending!
Find out more about their work: facebook.com/mycoldhurst
Side by Side Counselling
Formed in 2007, Side by Side is a person-centred organisation offering free counselling to all without judgement or prejudice. They offer the service three days per week, which is staffed by 16 dedicated, volunteer counsellors.
Find out more about their work: sidebysidecounselling.co.uk
Tackling Minds CIC
Formed in early 2020, Tackling Minds has quickly become established as a trusted provider of angling events within the UK, offering support to people from all walks of life that are struggling with a range of issues.
Their purpose is to improve mental health, reduce social isolation and create opportunities for people who are too often left behind by traditional services.
Find out more about their work: tacklingminds.org
West African Development
West African Development is known for the provision of a wide range of social, health and welfare programmes including; Poverty Relief, Education, Environmental, Women Empowerment, Children and Sports etc.
They aim to improve the quality of life of Africans and other ethnic minority people living in Tameside and elsewhere by organising meetings and activities like swimming, football, cultural exchanges, dancing and drumming lessons.
Find out more about their work: westafricandevelopment.org.uk
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2026
Do you know a fantastic group of volunteers in your local area? Why not nominate them for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2026! Nominations for the 2026 round are now open, but close very soon!
It’s a great way to recognise an outstanding local volunteer group. You must submit your nominations by the Monday 1 December 2025.
The process for nominating a group is simple:
- Step 1: Use the eligibility criteria to make sure the group is eligible for an award and you are eligible to nominate.
- Step 2: Consider information about your chosen group such as their contact information, the group’s impact in your local community, and what makes the volunteers so impressive.
- Step 3: Set up a KAVS nominator account – it only takes a minute.
- Step 4: Get in touch with two other people who would be able to supply letters of support for the group.
- Step 5: Complete the online nomination form and upload the two letters of support.
