"we are delighted to celebrate their achievements"
Sixteen volunteer organisations from across the West Midlands will receive one of the UK’s highest honours for community service, with their work recognised through the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
The groups were honoured on The King’s Birthday, celebrating their contributions to improving the lives of people in their communities through volunteering, support and local initiatives.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest honour given to local volunteer groups in the UK.
It recognises organisations whose members dedicate their time and skills to helping others, addressing community needs and making a lasting difference to people’s lives.
This year’s recipients represent communities across the West Midlands, with two organisations each from Birmingham and Solihull, four from Walsall, one from Coventry and seven from Dudley.
Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE said this year’s winners demonstrate the generosity and community spirit of people who give their time to support others.
He said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the Lieutenancy’s involvement with our community is seeing and hearing about the wonderful kindness and help so many give unreservedly to others.
“It is enormously pleasing when groups of volunteers are royally recognised and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements and thank them so much for all they do.”
Among the organisations recognised is Diyya, which was established more than 15 years ago after a need was identified for more affordable, family-centred activities in the local community.
The organisation was founded to help women build social connections, access opportunities for personal development and take part in a wider range of leisure activities.
Its work also sought to address the cultural and racial barriers that can leave ethnic minority women experiencing social isolation and economic exclusion, limiting their opportunities to participate fully in community life.
Diyya initially launched The Saturday Club, providing a starting point for its wider programme of community activities.
Since then, its work has expanded considerably, with services and initiatives designed to support women, young people and families.
Its activities now include community events, gardening projects, IT classes, employment advice and skills workshops, helping participants develop practical knowledge and access opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to find.
The organisation also provides advice on healthy eating, arranges work opportunities for young people and runs holiday clubs for children, extending its support beyond its original focus on activities for women.
Through this range of initiatives, Diyya has developed a programme that brings people together while responding to different needs within the community, from social connection and personal development to employment support and activities for younger generations.
