A number of community groups have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service as part of His Majesty’s birthday celebrations.

The King’s Award is the only Honour given to groups of volunteers to recognise the significant contribution they make to their community and is equivalent to an MBE.

Amongst the organisations recognised this year are three each from Dudley and Sandwell, two who cover the wider Black Country, three from Wolverhampton and four from Birmingham.

The Lord-Lieutenant  of the West Midlands, Mr Derrick Anderson CBE, is 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.”

Groups honoured include Access In Dudley, who help people with disabilities to access buildings and services in the area; Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve, who conserve a site of national environmental importance in urban Dudley and WeLoveCarers, an organisation which cares for carers and their families creating a culture across Dudley of love and understanding.

Also honoured were Halesowen in Bloom, a vibrant community initiative that has transformed the town into a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. Black Country Mental Health, who provide much needed social, mental health support and education services to the local community and The Black Country Blokes CIC, who support the mental health of men in the Black Country.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, added: “I would like to send my warmest congratulations to all organisations on receiving such a prestigious accolade from His Majesty the King. 

“Two of [the winners] are particularly close to my heart, and I am absolutely delighted that Access in Dudley and Halesowen in Bloom have been recognised for the work they do in our community.

“To have four of the 19 organisations recognised across the whole West Midlands come from our borough is a real testament to the work being done by volunteers here.

“It is a fitting tribute to their dedication and efforts in helping local people.”