Twelve Cornish Voluntary Groups in the Running for Prestigious King’s Award

Cornwall Shines in Volunteering Efforts

Cornwall is celebrating a significant achievement in the voluntary sector as twelve local groups have been nominated for the esteemed 2024 King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This accolade, often regarded as the MBE for volunteer groups, recognises exceptional service within communities across the UK.

Recognition at County Hall

The nominations were spotlighted during a special reception at County Hall, an event graced by Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, and Cornwall Council Chairman Cllr. Pauline Giles. Both dignitaries honoured the nominees in a ceremony that underscored the strong community spirit permeating the region.

Meet the Nominees

The diverse groups nominated for this year’s award include:

• Cornwall Blood Bikes
• GOFA (Good Old Furniture Available), Penzance
• Holywell Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
• The League of Friends of Launceston Hospital & Community
• Livewire Youth Project, Saltash
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall
• Operation Encompass
• Squires Field Community Centre, Fowey
• Wadebridge Foodbank & Storehouse
• Walker Lines Gymnasium Trust, Bodmin
• Young Carers Group
• Young Generation Theatre, Falmouth

Each group has demonstrated a profound impact on their local areas, meriting them consideration for this prestigious award.

A Beacon of Volunteerism

Cornwall is renowned for its vibrant volunteering culture, with approximately 32% of its residents actively engaged in volunteer work—substantially above the national average. “Cornwall has a strong heritage of volunteering,” explained Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho during the event, noting the exceptional number of nominations as a “very proud moment.”

What’s Next?

The final decisions on the award recipients will be announced on 14 November, coinciding with the birthday of HM The King. In the meantime, the nomination window for the 2025 King’s Awards has already opened, set to close on 1st December 2024. This ongoing cycle highlights the sustained effort to recognize and support voluntary groups across the country.

Nominate a Deserving Group

The nomination process is straightforward, requiring an online form supported by letters from two independent backers. This initiative aims to spotlight groups driven by volunteers who are committed to making significant impacts within their communities.

For more details on the nomination process and to put forward a deserving group, visit King’s Award for Voluntary Service Nominations.

This year’s nominees have set a high bar, and as Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho eagerly anticipates, there are surely many more commendable groups yet to be discovered and nominated.