Charities and voluntary groups in Somerset, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to apply for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the equivalent of an MBE for individuals.
The window for applying for KAVS – the highest award for voluntary groups – has just opened. The Royal award recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.
In the last round, several groups in Somerset were nominated from charities across the county. Winners included the Exmoor Community Bus Association and the Good Fellowship Club based in the Yeovil area. What all the nominees have in common is that they are led ‘by and for’ local communities.
Justin Sargent, the Deputy Lieutenant responsible for promoting KAVS in Somerset, says
“Across Somerset hundreds of voluntary groups provide much-needed support to some of the most vulnerable people. They help create vibrant communities which benefit all of us.
“A nomination for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a fantastic way to recognise all their efforts and increase awareness of their work.”
Jan Ross from the Exmoor community Bus Association, who were nominated in 2024 and received their KAVS in November last year, said
“Being given the award was a huge boost. We were absolutely delighted to receive this award. It recognises the work we have been doing for the last 42 years.”
Beryl Garton, from The Good Fellowship Club, added:
“Receiving the nomination for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service was a real tribute to the previous volunteers who kept the club going, providing funding for the transport, and will, I hope, enthuse others to carry on running the group, so very necessary for our elderly community here in Yeovil.”
Anyone who knows the work of a group well can make a nomination through a straightforward process between September 1st and December 1st. The KAVS website (https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/) provides clear instructions and guidelines on how to apply.