VOLUNTEERS at Shaftesbury Youth Club in Birkenhead are celebrating after they were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) for 2024.

The KAVS aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

A spokesperson for KAVS said: "The entire team at Shaftesbury Youth Club works tirelessly all year round to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for their community.

"From young to old, their range of services ensure that all are welcome at 'Shaftes', and the services they do provide are depended on by many local families and individuals who may otherwise struggle to find the help they so desperately need.

"Shaftesbury Youth Club is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

"Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them."

Recipients are announced annually on November 14.

Representatives of Shaftesbury Youth Club will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell. In addition, two volunteers from 'Shaftes' will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Janice Monty, CEO of Shaftesbury Youth Club said: “It is difficult to express how proud I am of the formidable force of volunteers we have here at 'Shaftes'.

"Each one of them gives their time freely and altruistically for the same purpose: to make a difference. And what a difference they do make to our community!

"It is a great honour for their hard work and dedication to be recognised with such a prestigious award, and I am absolutely certain that the work of our volunteers will continue long into the future as they spread the message that everyone is welcome at Shaftesbury Youth Club.”