Seven Staffordshire Voluntary Groups Honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service

Seven voluntary organisations across Staffordshire have received The King's Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the exceptional contributions of volunteers supporting local communities.

Seven Staffordshire voluntary groups have been recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups, recognises exceptional work by volunteers in their communities.

This year’s Staffordshire winners are:

• Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance, Stafford
• North Staffordshire BASICS
• Sea Cadets Burton on Trent
• Stepping Stones Community Organisation, Stoke-on-Trent
• Symmetrical North Staffs
• The Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek
• Vysions, Brereton

Their success brings the total number of Staffordshire groups receiving the award since its creation in 2002 to 125.

Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Liz Barnes said:

“I am delighted to see seven Staffordshire groups recognised this year. They are fantastic examples of the many organisations whose volunteers give their time to improve the lives of others. My warmest congratulations go to every one of our winners.”

Cllr Paul Williams, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said:

“Volunteers make an enormous contribution to communities across Staffordshire.

“Their commitment, compassion and generosity make a real difference every day, and these seven awards are richly deserved.”

Cllr Joan Bell, the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said:

"Congratulations to everyone at Stepping Stones Community Organisation and Symmetrical North Staffs on these prestigious awards.

"Voluntary groups make a real difference to people across our city. Thanks to the team at Stepping Stones, children in Stoke-on-Trent get the best possible start before they begin school. And young people leaving care can count on Symmetrical for practical support as they begin to live independently.

"We’re proud to see the volunteers behind both organisations get the recognition they deserve."

Fahmida Rahman from Stepping Stones Community Organisation said:

“Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is an extraordinary honour for Stepping Stones Community Organisation and a moment of immense pride for our volunteers and the communities we serve.

“It recognises the people who give their time, energy and skills so generously, often quietly behind the scenes, to make a lasting difference to the lives of others.

“At Stepping Stones, we believe that everyone should have opportunities to learn, thrive and feel a sense of belonging. Through education, youth activities, sport, wellbeing programmes and family support, our volunteers help turn that belief into practical action. Their care and commitment enable us to build trusted relationships, reach people facing barriers and bring together communities of different ages, cultures and backgrounds.

"This award belongs to every volunteer who has contributed to our journey. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our trustees, staff, partners, supporters and the families who place their trust in us.”

Chris Thompson from Foxlowe Arts centre said:

“It is a great honour to accept this award and celebrates all the hard work of the Foxlowe Arts Centre's volunteers since 2011, volunteers are involved in all areas of the Foxlowe, from organising music, film, comedy, exhibitions, studio spaces, gardens, theatre, workshops, talks and maintenance.”

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Nikki Scully-Crane RNR, Commanding Officer at Burton Sea Cadets said:

"We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

“This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the dedication, commitment and generosity of our amazing team of volunteers, who give so much of their time, energy and passion to making a difference to the lives of young people in our community.

“This recognition belongs to every single person who plays a part in making Burton Sea Cadets such a special place to be."

Lilian Dodd from SYMMETRICAL said:

“As a small charity run entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff, this recognition means so much to everyone involved.

* “Symmetrical was inspired by the remarkable young people with care experience who we now have the privilege of supporting as they take their first steps towards independence. Their courage, resilience and determination are at the heart of everything we do.*

* This award is a wonderful recognition of the kindness, commitment and generosity of our volunteers, who give their time to make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, it belongs to the young people who continue to inspire us every day.”*

The groups will receive a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and a commemorative crystal, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant at special ceremonies. Representatives will also be invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

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