Volunteers in Telford and Wrekin honoured with King’s award for service to others
A charity which supports residents across Telford and Wrekin, and a voluntary group raising awareness of environmental damage, have today been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council, based in Wellington, and Sustainable Newport, are among eight voluntary organisations in Shropshire to be awarded the annual honour, the voluntary-sector equivalent of an MBE. The awards were announced on 14 November, the King’s birthday.
Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council is run by volunteers from all faiths and cultural groups and has been recognised for how it helps promote unity across the borough.
Congratulating the group, Councillor Kelly Middleton (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthier, Safer & Stronger Communities and Partnerships said:
“All the volunteers should be delighted and proud to receive this award. They care, serve and support everyone in the borough, helping to promote unity.
“It is heart-warming that their work has been recognised and we pay tribute to their commitment.”
Sustainable Newport was formed 15 years ago by people living in Newport and the surrounding area who were worried about plastic waste, pollution and climate change. Posting on social media the group said:
“This is an incredible honour awarded in recognition of the efforts of all our volunteers over the years. Without doubt you are making such a difference to the knowledge and solutions for people to live a more sustainable and climate-friendly way of life.”
Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), said:
“I am delighted to hear that Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council and Sustainable Newport have been recognised for the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
“The work that these organisations do every day to make a difference is truly outstanding. I am in awe of the dedication and commitment of all volunteers and would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they do.
“Congratulations to all eight of the voluntary groups in Shropshire who have been honoured. Without the selflessness of volunteers our communities would not be as strong or as vibrant.”
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP, announced the awards and said:
“In previous years I have been thrilled to see so many organisations from Shropshire being rewarded for their selfless dedication and am pleased to see that 2024 is no different. Many congratulations to you all for being recognised with this top-level award.”
This year, 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK have received the prestigious accolade.
In Telford and Wrekin there are many voluntary organisations doing great things in the community and the Lord-Lieutenant is keen to encourage applications for KAVS.
To find out more about this year’s recipients and how to apply for 2025, visit: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk