Know a Group That Puts the Hours In? Put Them Up for the King's Award Nominate Cumbria Volunteer Groups for the King's Award for Voluntary Service
Marra Mode is how we'd tell you this in the Co-op. Switch it off for the straight version.
If you know a volunteer group that quietly holds a place together, put them up for the King's Award. It's on kavs.dcms.gov.uk, or have a word with the Lord-Lieutenant's Office.
If you know a volunteer group that quietly holds a street, a hall or a village together, this is you.
They're after nominations for the King's Award for Voluntary Service — highest honour the country gives to volunteer groups. It's the MBE, basically, but for the lot of them, not one person. Lasting difference on their own patch, volunteers at the heart of it.
Winners get a certificate signed by the King and a crystal. Some get asked to a Royal Garden Party as well.
You can put a group forward online, or the Lord-Lieutenant's Office will help you with it.
Alexander Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, said: "Cumbria is fortunate to have an extraordinary network of volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support others and strengthen communities across the county."
"The King's Award for Voluntary Service provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise those organisations whose volunteers go above and beyond to make a lasting difference."
"I would encourage anyone who knows an exceptional volunteer-led group to consider putting them forward for this prestigious national honour."
Have a look at kavs.dcms.gov.uk, or give the Lord-Lieutenant's Office a bell if you'd rather talk it through.
Fun Fact: Cockermouth Scout Group got it in 2025.
People across Cumbria are being asked to nominate outstanding volunteer groups for the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Nominate at kavs.dcms.gov.uk, or contact the Lord-Lieutenant's Office.
This is for anyone in Cumbria who knows a volunteer group that quietly holds a place together — the ones who turn up, week after week, and rarely get a fuss made.
People across the county are being asked to nominate outstanding groups for the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to UK voluntary organisations. It is treated as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups, and it recognises those who make a lasting difference locally and put volunteers at the centre of what they do.
Winning groups receive a certificate signed by the King and a commemorative crystal. They may also be invited to a Royal Garden Party.
Nominations can be made online, or through the Lord-Lieutenant's Office if you want a hand with the form.
Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott said: "Cumbria is fortunate to have an extraordinary network of volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support others and strengthen communities across the county."
"The King's Award for Voluntary Service provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise those organisations whose volunteers go above and beyond to make a lasting difference."
"I would encourage anyone who knows an exceptional volunteer-led group to consider putting them forward for this prestigious national honour."
The award and how to nominate are at kavs.dcms.gov.uk. If you would rather talk it through, contact the Lord-Lieutenant's Office.
Fun Fact: Cockermouth Scout Group received the award in 2025.