Galloway Action Team honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is the highest recognition a local voluntary group can achieve in the UK and is considered the equivalent of an MBE.

Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Aileen Brewis and Jackie Rae with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Galloway Action Team has been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Aileen Brewis, said: “I am delighted that the Galloway Action Team has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. As its Patron, I witness firsthand the remarkable and impactful work they carry out in the community, transforming the lives of many young people. These young volunteers provide invaluable assistance to local residents in need, whether due to illness, old age, mental health challenges, or loneliness. Their tasks are diverse, from assisting care homes with furniture moving, creating sensory gardens for local schools and nurseries, to assembling and dismantling the impressive poppy 'weeping window' display in central Stranraer, a key feature of our Remembrance events. The group also raises funds throughout the year to purchase toys and toiletries for local families most in need, particularly at Christmas.”

Jackie Rae, Galloway Action Team's senior project worker and founder of the charity, added: “It is such an honour to receive this award and a privilege to serve the people of Galloway. We are grateful to everyone involved in this achievement, but above all, we thank the dedicated volunteers for their tireless efforts in providing essential support to our communities.”

Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Aileen Brewis, Jackie Rae and some hard-working GAT volunteers with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Award Presentation at Holyroodhouse

GAT was presented with the award crystal and certificate by Mrs Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant at the beginning of 2025 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service acknowledges exceptional contributions by local volunteer groups to their communities. Established in 2002 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the award continues under The King, with winners announced on his birthday.

For more information about the Galloway Action Team and how you can get involved, please email info@gallowayactionteam.org or visit our contact page for more.