Celebrating Birmingham’s Community Heroes Through KAVS
Across Birmingham, volunteers are making an extraordinary difference every day – supporting young people, caring for the environment, tackling loneliness, improving neighbourhoods and helping people through difficult times.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, known as KAVS, provides an opportunity to recognise these remarkable contributions. Often described as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups, the award celebrates the dedication, impact and lasting value of volunteer-led organisations across the UK.[bcan.co]
Helping local groups shine
B:CAN members are hosting KAVS information sessions across Birmingham to help voluntary and community groups understand the award and explore whether they could be nominated.
The sessions offer practical guidance on:
- The KAVS eligibility criteria.
- How the nomination process works.
- The type of evidence groups may need to provide.
- The benefits and impact of receiving the award.
- How to celebrate the contribution of volunteers.
These events are also an opportunity for groups to meet other local organisations, share experiences and celebrate the vital role volunteering plays in Birmingham’s communities.
Recognising everyday extraordinary work
Volunteers do not always see themselves as extraordinary. They may simply be helping neighbours, running activities, supporting families, improving local spaces or creating opportunities for others.
However, these everyday acts of commitment can have a lasting impact. From environmental projects and food banks to youth programmes, community wellbeing initiatives and friendship groups, volunteer-led organisations help make Birmingham a stronger and more connected city.
Could your group be nominated?
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is presented annually to volunteer groups that have made a significant and lasting difference to their communities.
Any volunteer-led group in the UK may be eligible, provided it meets the award criteria. If your organisation supports local people, brings residents together or makes a positive difference to the places where people live, the KAVS information sessions are a valuable opportunity to find out more.
You do not have to be a large or long-established organisation. As highlighted at the B:CAN showcase, groups at different stages of their journey can make a meaningful contribution and deserve recognition.
Join a session near you
B:CAN members are hosting KAVS events across Birmingham, giving local groups the chance to access information and support in a welcoming community setting.
📍 Choose the venue closest to you:
📅 Tuesday 15 September | 10am–12pm
📌 Witton Lakes Eco Hub
Off Faulkners Farm Drive, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7XX
📅 Tuesday 6 October | 10am–12pm
📌 Moseley Community Trust
149–153 Alcester Road, Birmingham, B13 8JP
📅 Monday 2 November | 1pm–3pm
📌 St Paul’s Community Development Trust
73 Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 8NJ
To find out more about upcoming sessions, dates and locations, visit the BCAN KAVS Information Sessions Eventbrite page.
If you are considering nominating a group, you can also visit the official King’s Award for Voluntary Service website to register your details and submit a nomination.
Every volunteer group has a story worth telling and these KAVS events can help Birmingham’s local heroes receive the recognition they deserve.
