Wolverhampton volunteers overjoyed after winning King's Award for Voluntary Service

The volunteers support The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in its hospitals and community. 

Winning the award is the highest accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity and Volunteering Service is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Its work, along with others from across the UK, highlights all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.

Recipients are announced annually on November 14, the King’s birthday.

Ashleigh Key, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator at RWT, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the news that our phenomenal volunteers have won a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“It is incredibly well-deserved, and this award really is for each and every single volunteer who has contributed their time to support our patients, staff and wider trust.

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

She added: “Working in volunteering is such a rewarding experience, and nothing is more satisfying than seeing our volunteers win the highest achievement for voluntary service.

“We’d also like to acknowledge our former colleague Eleanor Morris for all of her support.”

Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity Development Manager, added: “Huge congratulations to this super group of people who are committed to making a difference to both our patients and our staff through their volunteering roles.

"Our charity supporters give up their time to help us with vital fundraising, get involved with events and help us spread the word about all the fantastic projects underway across the service. We couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Professor Martin Levermore MBE DL, RWT Chair of RWT Charity, added: “The Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) recognises the outstanding contribution and dedication of our volunteers alongside all the many supporters of the charity. The award highlights the unwavering commitment the charity holds in improving our community through our volunteers’ selfless acts and positive impact.

"It recognises and demonstrates the importance of volunteering and civic responsibility. I am truly proud and humbled by our volunteers’ collective efforts in expounding the importance of community cohesion and selfless service.” 

The winners will receive a signed certificate from His Majesty The King, presented locally by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and a crystal award with their certificate. 

They will receive a signed certificate from His Majesty The King, presented locally by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and a crystal award with their certificate.

Two representatives will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.