What an absolutely astounding year it has been for many of our members who have been announced as well-deserved recipients of this year’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Every week, volunteer groups across the UK greatly impact their local communities. They provide unique, much-needed services through their dedication and hard work. Equivalent to an MBE, the KAVS is awarded for life and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
We are delighted to congratulate all this year's recipients, but in particular, we applaud our own Action Together member organisations. We know, from first-hand experience, their amazing work and the difference it makes.
Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for the amazing work you do in our communities.
Our 2024 KAVS Recipients
In total, 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups were awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service this year, and, a record 13 Action Together member organisations were recipients (more than half of all of the North West recipients!).
Take a closer look at the inspiring stories from our members who are this year’s winners across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
Ashton United in the Community
Ashton United in the Community are a group of volunteers based in Ashton-under-Lyne, and closely associated with Ashton United Football Club. They describe themselves as the bridge between Ashton United Football Club and the community. Aiming to support the work of volunteers with projects, events, and community activities. Through offering volunteering opportunities to local people, they help to improve their confidence, physical and mental health and wellbeing, and give them the skills and knowledge that could lead to employment opportunities.
Find out more about their work: www.auitc.co.uk
Barnabas Thrive!
Barnabas Thrive! is the community programme of St Barnabas Church. Serving it's local community, they aim to enhance wellbeing and wholeness, promote better chances in life, and build a stronger community. They have multiple projects and activities supporting the communities in the Clarksfield, Greenacres, and Littlemoor areas of Oldham.
- Holiday Thrive! children's holiday club offering free breakfast, lunch, activities, games, crafts, and friendship
Women Thrive! aimed at empowering local women
Teen Thrive! which offers help and a safe haven to teenagers with mental health problems
Food Thrive! Supplying and distributing affordable, nutritious food
Find out more about their work: www.barnabas-thrive-oldham.co.uk
Bee Together Community Centre and Garden
The Bee Together Community Centre and Garden is based at the Parish of the Nativity in Failsworth and Limeside. They have a team of about a dozen volunteers who, in just five years, have transformed a disused, overgrown space into a beautiful community garden. It provides a habitat for local wildlife, nurtures homegrown produce to be donated to local families and foodbanks, forges valuable education links with local schools, and much more.
Pauline Riley, parishioner and parish coordinator, commented:
"We are delighted and very proud to announce that our Bee Together Community Centre and Garden has been honoured with the Kings Award for Voluntary Services.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, nurtured, and grown our project over the past five years."
Find out more about their work: www.facebook.com/beetogethercommunity
Caring and Sharing Rochdale
Caring and Sharing Rochdale are dedicated to helping asylum seekers, refugees, and other marginalised individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and respect. Their approach is centred around understanding individual needs and providing tailored assistance that makes a real difference.
Find out more about their work: www.caringandsharingrochdale.org
Dipak Dristi (Light of Vision)
Dipak Dristi, which means Light of Vision are based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, supporting people from the age of 55 by promoting wellbeing and reducing loneliness and social isolation.
They offer a drop-in-facility and related services/activities, such as yoga, arts and crafts, environmental activities and also provide a healthy light lunch to their attendees.
Find out more about their work: www.actiontogether.org.uk/community-activities/community-activity-directory/104182
Diversity Matters North West
Formed in 2007, Tameside-based Diversity Matters North West is an award winning independent local charity working to combat health inequalities and social exclusion and to promote community cohesion.
Chair of Diversity Matters North West, Caroline Gregory, commented:
"We are delighted to receive this award that recognises the very hard work of the staff and volunteers at diversity matters. We are particularly pleased that the award recognises the influence of volunteers and the community in developing our work and delivering services which meet the needs of our local residents."
Gemma Gaskell and Rehana Begum, Chief Executives:
"We are very proud to be part of such an amazing organisation. Our staff and volunteers (including our trustees) are dedicated, hardworking and passionate about supporting the local community. Working for Diversity Matters North West is more of a privilege than a job."
Find out more about their work: www.diversitymattersnw.org.uk
Fireground
Fireground are based in Rochdale and are an independent charity and museum preserving and making accessible the history of fire, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services in the Greater Manchester region. The Museum hold regular Open Day events and offer educational visits for pupils and students of all ages. They are supported by a team of dedicated volunteers who look after the exhibits, meet visitors, attend events and open days, and carry out restoration projects.
Find out more about their work: www.fireground.org.uk
Hattersley Health Champions
Hattersley Health Champions formed in 2018, and are a self-help group serving patients in Hattersley with the provision of several social groups and activities around community well-being and social cohesion, improving mental and physical health, improving self-confidence and reducing isolation.
Find out more about their work: www.facebook.com/HattersleyHealthChampions
Hyde Little Theatre
Hyde Little Theatre are an award-winning amateur dramatic society based in Hyde, Tameside. They deliver interactive sessions for all sections of the community and all ages through their ‘Theatre in the Community’ initiative.
Vanessa Rothwell, Chair of Hyde Little Theatre, said:
“I am absolutely delighted Hyde Little Theatre has been recognised for its work within our community. We have been on a fantastic journey over the last few years, expanding the range of events and activities at Studio 9 to meet the needs of our local community. We couldn’t have achieved this award without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, but also the continued support from everyone who promotes and attends our events, purchases tickets for our productions, comes for lunch at Studio 9, and enjoys all that Hyde Little Theatre offers. They are all a part of this journey and achievement. We can’t wait to do even more in 2025. Thank you for your support.”
Find out more about their work: www.hydelittletheatre.org
Neonatal Knitters
Ashton-nased Neonatal Knitters are a community group who knit, crochet and sew items for the Neonatal units of Tameside General Hospital, St Mary's Hospital and Royal Oldham Hospital.
Find out more about their work: www.actiontogether.org.uk/community-activities/community-activity-directory/107934
Smallshaw Tenants and Residents (STAR)
Smallshaw Tenants and Residents (STAR) are a community organisation based in Ashton-under-Lyne providing support for their community through the provision of groups and activities for children, support with food and clothing, and help/advice for adults.
Find out more about their work: www.facebook.com/p/Smallshaw-Tenants-and-Residents-STAR-100067749590558/
St Gabriel’s Community Group
St Gabriel’s Community Group are a community group, supported by a team of volunteers, that meets in St Gabriel’s Church in Ashton. Making a difference to people of all ages in their community, everybody is welcome to join them for hot drinks, toast, cakes, lots of chatting and fun activities to improve physical and mental health.
Find out more about their work: www.facebook.com/stgabriels.aul/?locale=en_GB
Yuvanis Foundation
Oldham-based Yuvanis Foundation are a community organisation committed to to empowering individuals from diverse BAME backgrounds through sports, wellbeing, and personal development initiatives. Since 2009, they have been dedicated to removing barriers and tackling inequalities through innovative projects and programs.
“We are immensely grateful for this honour, which acknowledges the countless hours our volunteers dedicate to supporting, uplifting, and empowering our community. I’m extremely proud to be leading this wonderful team. At Yuvanis Foundation, our journey continues with even more determination, inspired by the belief that together, we can shape a brighter future for everyone.”
Find out more about their work: www.yuvanis.org and view a video they have compiled, summarising their award and the work they do here: youtu.be/__aI9-L_pbQ?si=cyJYdlE1QgynUeCg
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025
Do you know a fantastic group of volunteers in your local area? Why not nominate them for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025! Nominations for the 2025 round are now open.
It’s a great way to recognise an outstanding local volunteer group. You must submit your nominations by the Sunday 1 December 2024.
The process of 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.
