Two Nottinghamshire charities have been recognised in the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2026, the highest national honour awarded to voluntary groups in the UK.
Cornwater Evergreens, which supports older people across parts of Nottinghamshire, and Salaam Shalom Kitchen, a community food project in Nottingham, are among 250 organisations recognised in this year’s awards, announced on Saturday 14 November.
The award, regarded as equivalent to an MBE, recognises outstanding work by volunteer-led organisations that make a significant contribution to their local communities.
Cornwater Evergreens, based in Ravenshead, provides support for older people, including those experiencing loneliness, social isolation and cognitive difficulties.
The charity operates clubs in Ravenshead, Rainworth, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Mansfield, offering opportunities for social interaction, meals and activities intended to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
Its services include friendship clubs, memory activities and support for people living with cognitive impairments, alongside opportunities for carers to receive respite.
According to its latest published Charity Commission figures, covering the financial year ending March 2025, Cornwater Evergreens had 109 volunteers.
The organisation became a registered charitable incorporated organisation in October 2016, although its work supporting older residents has developed over a longer period.
Its friendship and memory clubs aim to help older people maintain social connections, remain active and participate in their communities.
Salaam Shalom Kitchen, based in Hyson Green, brings together volunteers from Nottingham’s Muslim and Jewish communities to provide meals and support to people experiencing food poverty and isolation.
A spokesperson said:
‘We are extremely delighted to share the good news that Salaam Shalom Kitchen has won the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
‘This is an equivalent of an MBE for volunteers.’
‘Thank you to everyone for making this happen. Those of you who are actively involved and those of you who cheer us on from the sidelines. You are all SaSh.’
The project was established in 2015 through a partnership involving Himmah and Nottingham Liberal Synagogue.
It provides hot meals and groceries while also creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet and build relationships.
The organisation’s 2024–25 annual report said it was serving more than 100 people each week and providing more than 160 meals, including takeaway food.
Its volunteers help with cooking, food preparation, collecting donations, serving meals and distributing groceries.
The kitchen operated for most of its first decade from the Bridge Centre in Hyson Green before moving to the Himmah Hub on Gregory Boulevard at the end of March 2025.
The move provided larger kitchen facilities and brought the project into the same building as Himmah, one of the organisations involved in its establishment.
Salaam Shalom Kitchen’s latest published Charity Commission figures recorded 60 volunteers for the financial year ending March 2025.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and was previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
It is awarded annually to groups whose volunteers demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their communities.
Nominations are considered initially through local assessments involving the Lord-Lieutenancy before being reviewed nationally and submitted for royal approval.
The 2026 recipients include organisations working in health, community support, environmental projects, sport, heritage and services for children and young people.
The 250 groups recognised this year are drawn from across the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man, with 87 per cent of the awards going to organisations outside London and the South East.
Previous Nottinghamshire recipients include Forever Stars, East Leake Community Care Association, Sherwood Observatory and My Bag, which were among the county’s organisations recognised in 2025.
Winning organisations receive a certificate signed by the King and a commemorative crystal, presented by the local Lord-Lieutenant. Representatives may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.
Nominations for the 2027 awards are open until 1 December 2026.
