More than 200 charities and other volunteer-led groups have been recognised in this year’s King’s Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS).
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced today that 231 organisations have received the 2025 KAVS, a drop from the 281 that received the award last year.
Previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the award was created in 2002 to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s golden jubilee.
Now held annually on 14 November to mark the king’s birthday, the award is the UK’s highest accolade for voluntary groups, equivalent to an MBE.
It aims to champion the work of organisations transforming people’s lives through mental health support, youth services, environmental projects and community initiatives throughout the UK.
‘Incredibly honoured’
This year’s recipients include 185 organisations from England, 25 from Scotland, 16 from Northern Ireland and five from Wales, with 78% of awards going to groups outside London and the south east.
Among them are Blackpool charity Counselling in the Community, Nottingham baby loss charity Forever Stars, and south London food charity Be Enriched.
Forever Stars said it is the first Nottingham-based charity to have received such an award since 2022.
Founded by Richard and Michelle Daniels in 2014, a year after the birth of their stillborn daughter Emily, Forever Stars fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones in the East Midlands.
Richard Daniels said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Forever Stars has been awarded the KAVS.
“This incredible recognition is a true testament to the hard work, compassion, and dedication of our volunteers, whose unwavering commitment has helped Forever Stars grow and make such a meaningful difference to baby loss families across Nottingham.”
Established in 2013 by CEO Kemi Akinola, Be Enriched uses food to bring people together, reduce waste and tackle social isolation for people facing socio-economic inequality.
Akinola said: “We’re incredibly honoured that Be Enriched’s work has been recognised with the KAVS.
“Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. This award belongs to every person who gives their time, kindness and energy to make sure our neighbours and friends can eat well, feel connected and be part of a community. We’re immensely proud of them.”
Volunteers are ‘the lifeblood of our communities’
DCMS said the award “supports the government’s Plan for Change commitment to break down barriers to opportunity”.
“Volunteer groups create pathways for people to contribute to their communities and develop new skills,” it said.
Civil society minister Stephanie Peacock said: “These awards celebrate the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of our communities.
“Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to transform lives and strengthen the places we call home.
“Whether supporting people struggling with mental health, creating opportunities for young people to thrive, preserving our natural heritage, or simply being there for those who need it most – these groups embody the very best of community spirit.
“Their work reminds us that when people come together with purpose and determination, there is no challenge too great to overcome. To every volunteer recognised today: thank you, and my warmest congratulations.”
Nominations are now open for the 2026 KAVS, with applications closing on 1 December 2025.
