This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

YWCS provides one-to-one counselling to women who are experiencing difficulties as a result of emotional trauma. Many of our clients have very complex issues, all of which impacts on their lives and ability to cope. We offer them the time and space to deal with their problems on a medium to longer-term basis. Our support is aimed at women with limited financial means who cannot afford private therapy.

YWCS is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across theUK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups which benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.

Representatives of YWCS will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mrs Johanna Ropner, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire later this year. In addition, two volunteers from YWCS will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Helen Fairburn, Director of YWCS says:

Volunteers are the beating heart of our organisation and it is fantastic that the amazing work of our volunteer counselling team and other volunteers and staff that make up this inspiring organisation has been recognised.  Never has the work of YWCS been so important and so much needed in these difficult times.”