About Us

Making a positive difference to the people and communities of Galloway

The Galloway Action Team together after being given the King's Award for Volunteering in 2025.

Galloway Action Team (GAT), based in Stranraer, Scotland, was granted charitable status by OSCR in October 2019. It was set up with the purpose of encouraging active citizenship by linking volunteers with community projects in need of support. In 2025 we received the King's Award for Volunteering, the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, equivalent to the MBE.

Additionally, we also work to advance community development by engaging with individuals and groups in the Galloway community to identify their needs and increase social inclusion. Supporting those in need, in particular, vulnerable people suffering from mental or physical disability, illness, impairment or old age, is a key aspect of our work.

We also support people experiencing unemployment by providing support and training to improve work/life skills and increase employability.

Take a look at our videos below or on our YouTube channel to watch how our work supports individuals and the wider community throughout Galloway.

Making a positive impact throughout Galloway

Since we began, our trustees, staff and volunteers have already made a positive difference to the people and communities of Galloway.

Our key strengths include:

Our dedicated and skilled team (especially our volunteers, but also including our staff and board members) who work tirelessly to make things better for the people and communities of Galloway
Our reputation within the local community, who offer us their encouragement, trust and support
Our work and the way in which we deliver it, not least our intergenerational work, our ability to quickly respond the the needs of local people, and the way in which we engage, educate and build the skills of our volunteers, supporting them to become an integral part of the local community.