ARK at Egwood’s group of volunteers have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024 — the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.  Two other Somerset-based charities also won awards.

ARK, based in Merriott, Somerset, is a land-based day provision supporting people of all ages and varying needs to improve their health and well-being, social connections, and confidence. The current 63 volunteers at ARK are "essential" to the daily running and support provided.

The charity is one of 281 UK charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. 

Nigel Bell, co-founder and CEO of Ark, said: "I am so delighted and proud that ARK’s volunteers have been recognised, in supporting many people in Somerset through their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm."

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King — 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

Recipients are announced annually on November 14, the King’s Birthday.

Award winners this year are diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire; a group preserving a historic 12th-century castle in south Wales; volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling and an organisation providing a opportunities to engage in the arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh. 

Representatives of ARK will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, later this summer.

In addition, two volunteers from ARK will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

The ARK award was also celebrated by local MP, Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil.

"This award reflects the incredible dedication and commitment of ARK’s volunteers who provide a vital and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, grow, and thrive," he said. This recognition is well-deserved and a testament to the powerful role that volunteer-led initiatives play in improving lives and strengthening our community.”

Exmoor Young Voices, a charity for young adults, and radio station Somer Valley FM, based in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, also won awards.