Royal recognition for Lancashire volunteer groups

Three groups of volunteers based in Lancashire have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The groups are included in the list of 232 charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations to receive the prestigious award this year.

The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas that enhance lives across local communities.

Created in 2002 to celebrate The late Queen's Golden Jubilee, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups.

Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities.

This year’s award-winners are:

• Escape2Make in Lancaster, an organisation which provides free, safe creative workshops for young people in the Lancaster and Morecambe areas.
• Helping Hearts, a volunteer-led charity serving the Fylde Coast since 2020, offering essential items, support, and counselling to over 150 people each week; and
• Counselling in the Community, a Fylde Coast-based organisation delivering free, professional counselling to those most in need.

Each of the three groups will receive a certificate signed by HM The King and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker.

Furthermore, two volunteers from each of the groups will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Mrs Parker said: “I am delighted that these outstanding Lancashire groups have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

"During our assessment visits, we were extremely impressed by their dedication, achievements, and the meaningful impact they have on their communities.

"Lancashire is fortunate to have such a vibrant and committed voluntary sector, and I hope to see even more exceptional groups nominated in the future.

"I believe the people of Lancashire will be inspired by the vital work these organisations do and feel encouraged to put forward nominations.”

Escape2Make is a charity that provides free creative workshops and opportunities for 11-18-year-olds.

Escape2Make chief executive, Kyle McKenzie said: “We are so incredibly lucky and grateful to have such a fantastic group of volunteers!

"Each one of them has brought so much to the organisation!

"Their kindness, compassion, and creativity are what make them a key part of Escape2Make’s core.

"We are thrilled that their work is being recognised and celebrated on such a prestigious level!”

Two volunteers from Escape2Make will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.