Royal honour given to voluntary groups across Black Country

Community action groups, boxing clubs, mental health charities and public health groups are among those being given the highest royal honour a voluntary group can be given.

The groups from across the Black Country have been recognised by King Charles III with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the only honour given to groups of volunteers to recognise the significant contribution they make to their community.

The West Midlands Lieutenancy said the volunteers, this year, have given their time and dedicated their lives to helping others in caring, kind, often innovative and amazing ways and have been acknowledged for this with the KAVS.

Amongst the organisations this year are three from Dudley, three from Sandwell, two covering the Black Country, three from Wolverhampton and one from Halesowen.

The Lord-Lieutenant  of the West Midlands, Mr Derrick Anderson CBE, said he was delighted with the range of support and variety of groups gaining a KAVS this year. 

He said: “These Awards demonstrate that our region has many wonderful people who give their precious time to help others, bringing together local communities and improving the quality of so many lives. 

"I am grateful for everything they do and impressed by the initiatives and enterprises they have established. 

"It is a great opportunity as part of The King’s birthday to thank them for their exemplary service.”

Dudley and Halesowen

In Dudley, Access in Dudley worked to help people with disabilities to access buildings and services in the area.

The charity has been operating for 20 years and is run by volunteers with disabilities or experience with dealing with disabilities.

They have achieved greater accessibility with numerous initiatives from organising and designing gym equipment in parks, working with the Council and Travel West Midlands to redesign ticket machines, interior design, signage and securing a specialist rowing boat at Dudley Rowing Club.

Chair Tina Boothroyd said: "We are deeply humbled to receive this wonderful award. 

"Our incredible small group of volunteers with a range of disabilities ably assisted by able bodied volunteers only ever wanted to improve the lives of those who have to live anything but a 'normal' life on a daily basis. 

"When our Patron and former Dudley Mayor now Alderman Steve Waltho suggested we should be nominated for a Kings Award for our outstanding dedication we were quite reluctant at first. 

"However we were persuaded to go through the rather stringent application process and can't believe we've been successful. 

"This is an absolute tribute to our amazing team over the years including those we've sadly lost along the way."

The Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve conserve a site of national environmental importance that people can enjoy in urban Dudley, they also provide inclusive community activities.

The 247-acre site in the heart of Dudley is fully open to the public and runs a range of engaging nature programmes and sustained conservation activities on site.   

They have recently added a Ranger and education centre and its environmental and geologist expertise is shared and valued regionally and nationally.

Chair Les Drinkwater said: “All the volunteers are enormously proud to have their hard work and dedication to Saltwells recognised in this way. 

"The volunteers have such a wide range of skills, combined with energy and enthusiasm inspired by this special place. 

"We want to share everything Saltwells has to offer the local community and conserve it for generations to come. 

"I am so grateful for all their hard work and commitment and delighted to share this recognition with all of them.”

WeLoveCarers Charity cares for carers and their families creating a culture across Dudley of love and understanding.

By providing a raft of family activities and clubs for those needing care, the group enables the carers to enjoy a little respite and feel they are part of a community that recognises them and their needs.

They use professional psychologists to support their work and have developed new ideas such as the Dudley Siblings and Young Carers group where young carers can voice their views through counselling.

Across the borough, Halesowen in Bloom is a vibrant community initiative that has transformed the town into a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. The town is full of beautiful floral arrangements with their logo stickers on pots, troughs and lamp posts.

There is an impressive array of blooms and a whopping 1,908 hectares of grounds managed by a team that create herbs, fruit and vegetable areas in addition to the many flowers.

The volunteers keep a keen eye on the environment, using upcycled containers for growing vegetables which the public can pick and eat.

There is a real sense of pride and achievement and a vast army of helpers, young and old, get involved.

Sandwell

In Sandwell, Warley Amateur Boxing Club has a long-standing tradition, with dedicated volunteer coaches and members acting as a hub for boxing enthusiasts for almost nine decades.

However, in recent years, it packs an equally impressive punch when it comes to promoting inclusion, nurturing disaffected young people and fostering community cohesion.

The club has positively impacted the lives of countless young people, providing a safe space for youth to channel their energy, learn discipline and build confidence.

Every year, more than half a million people enjoy the natural splendour of Warley Woods’ 100 acres thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers from Warley Woods Community Trust.

They have preserved the woods heritage features while improving environmental interest and projects so rare just a few miles from Birmingham city centre.

The volunteers go way beyond managing a park well. They have thought about what they and other local people need and creatively come up with and delivered an environmental and extensive calendar of engaging events that draw more people in to take part in many activities, including yoga, golf, walking and running.

Steve Eling has been Chair of the Trust since its inception in 1997 and has been at the forefront of its development ever since. 

He said:"This is a very proud moment for Warley Woods and the local community. The King's Award is the most prestigious accolade any organisation can receive for the efforts of volunteers and making an impact in the community.

"Thousands of people have volunteered over the twenty years since Warley Woods Community Trust took ownership of the park. They have made a big difference to every aspect of the park, it facilities and management, as well as all the popular events.

"Warley Woods is a national exemplar, leading the way in community ownership and provision. 

"My thanks go to everyone who has played a part in making Warley Woods what it is and the recognition that has been achieved through this award".

For almost thirty years, from what began as one individual’s struggle to support younger members of her family, the Wallace Youth Project has evolved to a much-loved and valued resource, providing children, young people and their families with a sense of belonging, purpose and hope.

Volunteers work together to provide a safe and welcoming space for young people against the tough background of the local area.

Young people are given the opportunities to take on leadership roles and are encouraged to explore their passions, talents and interests, ranging from education, sports and arts to entrepreneurship.

Black Country

Black Country Mental Health provides much needed social, mental health support and education services to the local community.

Volunteers help with counselling and a range of initiatives including a female trauma group, walk and talk group, horticulture, Jolly Joggers, Night Groups, Sunday drop in , monthly radio show and outreach to a women’s refuge.

The support offers vital help to so many suffering mental health issues that cannot be provided by the stretched NHS and local authority.

Black Country Blokes supports the mental health of men in the Black Country by providing services through a weekly one-hour podcast, a weekly radio slot on Black Country Radio, daily boxing and fitness classes and “Thought for the Day” on social media.

The organisation evolved from Kevin Dillon’s desire to open a boxing gym where men could open up about their fears and problems 

They offer a unique approach to men’s mental health issues but their approach works and makes talking and connecting accessible.

Wolverhampton

In Wolverhampton, Friends of Di’s Kitchen, established in 2020 in the memory of Di Henry, delivers meals on a Thursday to anyone in Wolverhampton, who is in need. No means testing required.

Volunteers deliver food to over 800 “guests” each week and they also provide extra “treats” on birthdays, Easter and Christmas, especially to children.

The volunteers provide sources of help and there is a great community spirit and satisfaction around helping others.

Chair Jan Kelland, said: "It’s humbling that such a hardworking and loyal group of volunteers, has been recognised for their service to those in food need  across the city. 

"Without their dedication each week, none of what has been achieved over nearly five years would have been possible. 

"It's thanks to them that the food is sourced, prepared and delivered every Thursday, regardless of the weather.“

More than 200 parents in Wolverhampton who have children with severe and complex disabilities are being helped by Give Us A Break.

As the name suggests they provide a raft of support to alleviate the stress and management of family life and, importantly, make families less isolated.

Support can mean organising a taxi to take children to school, organising around 56 events for helping in holiday time and for families to meet each other, and offering advice.

The group of volunteers at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are working with NHS staff to support patients through a raft of help.

For example, there is a Bereavement Hub where people can talk about their loss, meeting and greeting service for outpatients and help to call round to ensure patients remember to attend their appointments.

There is an Arts in Health programme and a staff well-being hub where staff receive access to a free breakfast and food to help with the cost of living.

There is a real sense of pride and achievement and a vast army of helpers, young and old, get involved.

Professor Martin Levermore, chair of RWT Charity, said: “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.”