This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The group has been running since 1996 and is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary they reach out to the community in creative and positive ways bringing people together with various projects such as the weekly community cafes, they provide a workshop where many items are made from wood and sold to raise funds.
The group also runs a Performers Group that stage regular productions and raise funds for local and worldwide charities.
The team also arrange events that ease isolation while fundraising for many worthy charities.
Over their 30 years they have raised thousands of pounds for many local national and international causes.
The Pop In Place is one of 231 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.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the United Kingdom.
Representatives of the Pop In Place will receive the award crystal and certificate from Dorset’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Michael Dooley in the coming months.
In addition, two volunteers from the group will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May /June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Alison Bennett Team Leader said: “I was delighted to learn of the Award and that the group’s work has been recognised. Our organisation is an example of how when likeminded people get together they can make a real and lasting difference. The volunteers are a fundamental part of everything we do and have worked hard over many years and this award is a tribute to them all.”
