Bright Hope, a charity based in North West Leicestershire, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

Bright Hope offers a range of therapeutic and social care services, supporting individuals who have a life limiting condition or one that leads to a significant reduction in quality of life, as well as offering support to their partner, carer or family.

Services include three drop-in Support Cafés located in Ashby, Ibstock and Coalville; counselling; befriending; complementary therapy; wellness support and day care, all based at Bright Hope House, Swannington. All services aim to give the power back to those using them, creating a community where no one is left behind, and everyone is lifted.

Bright Hope is one of 231 local 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.

Laura Mackie, Chief Executive of Bright Hope, said:

"We are incredibly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – a recognition that belongs to every volunteer, supporter, and member of our Bright Hope community. We hope that this award helps us to reach new supporters, enabling us to continue our vital work – without which people would fall through the cracks."

“Whether someone comes to us for wellness services, complementary therapy, or attends one of our Support Cafés, they’re part of something bigger. Bright Hope is more than a charity; it’s a social movement – a network of care, connection, and hope across North West Leicestershire."

“As we receive no statutory funding, everything we do is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. However, to continue meeting the growing needs of our community, we urgently need more assistance to sustain and expand our vital work.”

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 Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK. Representatives of Bright Hope will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur, OBE CStJ, in the coming months. In addition, two individuals from Bright Hope will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer of 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

For more information on Bright Hope, and to donate, please visit here.