The user-led charity, with its face to face and virtual peer support groups, the latest accessible tech demonstrations and growing one to one service to support anyone in Kirklees with a visual impairment, Outlookers 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.
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 Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 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 mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire; a group preserving a historic 12th century castle in south Wales; 6 volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling and an organisation providing opportunities to engage in the arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh.
Representatives of Outlookers will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant Ed Anderson of West Yorkshire in the near future. In addition, two volunteers from Outlookers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
David Quarmby, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Founder of Outlookers said “Established by blind and partially sighted individuals, Outlookers was created to empower others in our community by sharing skills, knowledge, and experiences. Through invaluable peer support, we help one another access the guidance and assistance needed to continue pursuing the activities we love. Together, we benefit by learning from each other's journeys." Mark Owen, CEO of Outlookers said “We are absolutely delighted that the outstanding commitment of our volunteers has been honoured. Without them, our work providing peer and technology support to people living with a visual impairment across Kirklees would not be possible.”
Laura Gibbins, Volunteer Coordinator for Outlookers said “A marvellous award for such deserving and inspiring people. Our volunteer team are generous and committed to our cause. Their belief in our mission is the reason this charity is thriving in providing our sight loss community with a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive environment.” Notes to editors 1. Lord-Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties. 2. This year there are 281 recipients of The King’s Award Voluntary Service from across the UK and Channel Islands. 3. More information on the recipients and the Award can be found at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/ 4. Full details on how to nominate are available at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/ 5. Nominations for the 2025 award opened on the 1st September 2024.
