Posted on Friday 14th November 2025
Shenstone Library trustees, Left to right: Frank Weetman, Jane Cotton, Jon Scobie, and Lynda Jones (Chair of trustees).
Five voluntary organisations from Staffordshire have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in this year’s honours.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups, charities and organisations who benefit their local 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.
The winning groups this year include:
- Shenstone Community Library Association
- Simon’s Heroes
- Stafford & District Bereavement & Loss Service
- Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Service
- @21 Leek Town Centre Project
In the coming months, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Professor Liz Barnes CBE, who is His Majesty's representative for the county, will present the groups with their certificates signed by the King and an exclusive commemorative crystal.
Representatives from the groups will also receive an invitation to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Professor Barnes said:
“These five recipients of this year’s honours are more fantastic examples of the hundreds of organisations that seek to make our county a better place. We hope that His Majesty’s award to our five organisations convey our immense gratitude.”
Paul Williams, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“My sincere congratulations to all five winners of this award. It is fantastic that we as a county have the chance to thank and recognise those that use their time and expertise to improve the lives of their fellow residents.”
Lynda Jones from Shenstone Community Library said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have our charity’s work recognised in this award. We have worked hard to develop a welcoming, inclusive space for the benefit of members of the community. Our dedicated and skilful volunteers are at the heart of this achievement together with local people who contribute so much to support us."
Jane Tattersall from @21 said:
"The volunteers at @21, the Leek Town Centre Project, are delighted that their commitment to and support of the charity has been recognised by such a prestigious award."
Charlotte Abbott, Chair of Simon’s Heroes, said:
“We are truly honoured to receive The King’s Award. This prestigious recognition is a wonderful acknowledgment of the hard work, passion, and commitment of our incredible volunteers and supporters. We couldn’t be prouder to share this achievement with everyone who helps bring our mission to life.”
Paula Da-Silva from Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled for our volunteers. They work tirelessly to create a safe haven for people during incredibly difficult, and sometimes tragic, times in their lives to make sure no-one faces that alone. To have that effort recognised nationally means so much.
“Our aim has always been simple - to make sure everyone in Tamworth knows we’re here if they need us. This award shines a light on the power of volunteering and the difference ordinary people can make when they come together with kindness”.
Shyamali Biswas Fenton from Stafford & District Bereavement & Loss Support Service said:
“It is with great pleasure that Stafford & District Bereavement & Loss Support Service (SDBLSS) has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of our charity work in the community. We are extremely proud to receive this accolade in recognition of the service we have been providing to adults experiencing bereavement or loss in Stafford, Stone and the surrounding district for the last 41 years”.
His Majesty the King has announced that 232 outstanding UK volunteering groups have been honoured as recipients of the award. Winners are announced annually on 14 November, which is the King’s birthday.
To date, Staffordshire has seen 118 local groups receive the yearly award since its creation.
Further details on this year’s award winners and information on how to nominate are available on The Kings Award website.