Four Devon organisations are among the winners of the 2025 King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Award shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK. It is equivalent to the MBE for individuals.
Groups of volunteers are nominated by others each autumn and subject to both a local and national assessment. The winners are announced today on the King’s birthday.
The four winners from Devon are:
Basics Devon (British Association for Immediate Care) is a network of volunteer emergency doctors who provide immediate access to specialist medical care. Their volunteer medics respond in their own vehicles, anytime, anywhere in Devon. All have undertaken extensive specialist training in the complex and challenging arena of pre-hospital medical care.
Website: https://www.basics-devon.org.uk
Contact: [email protected] / 01752 936299
(understood to have HQ in Plymouth)
Bob the Bus is a community bus operating in Totnes and surrounding rural areas. It provides friendly, accessible transport for all; essential for many, reducing isolation in and around Totnes.
Website: https://bobthebus.org.uk
Contact: [email protected] / 07800 745332
(Totnes)
Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled is a unique equestrian facility in the South Hams area of Devon that strives to give disabled people of all ages the opportunity to both enjoy the sheer exhilaration and the therapeutic benefits of horse riding and equestrian association, in a safe and structured environment. Website: https://www.ridingatthebrook.co.uk
Contact: [email protected] / 07882 286421
(Near Ivybridge)
Rainbow Living is a volunteer-led charity providing accommodation for adults with learning disabilities in five homes in Exeter and Torquay, building solutions which give learning disabled adults their potential through hope, choice and skills.
Website: https://rainbowliving.org.uk
Contact: [email protected] / 01395 2325530
(Exeter)
Mr David Fursdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, said, “I am delighted that volunteers in four Devon organisations have received this prestigious award. Their continuing achievements are outstanding examples of the many people in Devon who volunteer in a wide range of activities and provide invaluable service to our community”.