West Midlands volunteer groups given King's Awards

Staffordshire Care Farming CIC directors Julie White and Nick Platt praised the volunteers for their achievements

Dozens of volunteer-led groups in the West Midlands have been recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The 38 groups were among 281 organisations in the UK who were honoured on Thursday with the accolade, which recognises outstanding community service.

Sir Martyn Lewis, awards chairman, said it was the top award for volunteers who “beaver away at grassroots level” to improve their communities.

“Whether driven by a neighbourly passion to help others or to achieve that well-recognised high of personal satisfaction, volunteering taps into a rich spirit of generosity and kindness,” he said.

Sharron Wise, left, and Helen Steatham volunteer at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Among the West Midlands recipients was the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and Volunteering Service, which works with staff to improve patient experiences.

Ashleigh Key, volunteer services co-ordinator, said the team was “absolutely thrilled” with the award recognition.

“Past and present, our volunteers are heroes and continue to make such a significant impact to our local communities in Wolverhampton,” she said.

Staffordshire Care Farming CIC was also honoured for its Wellies Project and the difference it has made to people who suffer with mental health issues.

It offers people in Leek and Uttoxeter the chance to do therapeutic activities with plants, animals, creativity and the countryside.

Co-director Julie White said she was “absolutely delighted”, adding that most of the volunteers started off as participants.

“I’m so proud that all of their work, and bravery, has been recognised,” she said.

West Midlands King's Award recipients

Birmingham and Black Country

• Access in Dudley

• Agrani Arts and Cultural Society

• Black Country Mental Health

• Friends of Di's Kitchen (FODK)

• Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve

• Give Us A Break

• Grosvenor Road Studios

• Halesowen in Bloom

• Nechells POD

• Switch Radio

• The Black Country Blokes CIC

• Wallace Youth Project

• Warley Amateur Boxing Club

• Warley Woods Community Trust

• WeLoveCarers Charity

Coventry

• Mercia MS Therapy Centre

• Moat House Community Trust

• Warwick Volunteers

Herefordshire

• The Hub at St Peter's

Shropshire

• Cruckton & District Ploughing & Hedging Society

• Oswestry Borderland Tourism Ltd (Visit Oswestry)

• Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew

• Shrewsbury Up & Comers FC

• Shropshire Beekeepers Association

• Sustainable Newport

• Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council

• The Albrighton Trust

Staffordshire

• Chase Arts for Public Spaces

• Heart of Tamworth

• Rugeley Rifle Club

• Signposts Services

• Stafford Street Pastors

• Staffordshire Care Farming Development CIC - The WELLIES Project

• Tamworth Street Angels

Warwickshire

• Hope 4 Rugby Kineton Sports and Social Club

Worcestershire

• Signpost Broadway

• The Wheely Different Theatre Company

Wolverhampton

• The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and Volunteer Service