A man from Salford is celebrating after the charity he assists received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Steve Ramage, from Walkden, expressed his delight as it was revealed that an organisation supporting young people and adults with disabilities had been given the highest award given to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom.
Mr Ramage is the Vice Chair and Building Manager of Wigan Stars, one of just 231 groups across the UK to receive the honour in 2025.
The charity provides support, training, activities and respite services for young people and adults with learning disabilities and profound and multiple disabilities.
Through a wide range of planned activities at community venues, Wigan Stars has helped members from across Greater Manchester to develop social skills, build friendships and take part in meaningful community experiences.
Mr Ramage has played a vital role in the organisation’s success and was delighted to hear the charity he volunteers for had been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the community.
He said: We have supported hundreds of people. We have supported hundreds of people and today we have around 30 members. Now we are receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is an incredible achievement for everyone involved.”
Mr Ramage explained that the charity nearly shut down after the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2021.
“We thought we were going to lose everything, he recalled. “Thankfully, because we had a business bank account, we qualified for a £10,000 business grant which helped us survive through those difficult times,” he said.
The award is equivalent to an MBE and recognises the outstanding work carried out by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the charity, he stated: “We are deeply honoured to receive this award, which is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of our volunteers.
“Some of our volunteers have been with Wigan Stars for over 25 years, and their commitment has been the foundation of everything we have achieved. This recognition will help us raise our profile and reach even more people in our community.”
Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock, said: “These awards celebrate the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of our communities. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to transform lives and strengthen the places we call home.
“Whether supporting people struggling with mental health, creating opportunities for young people to thrive, preserving our natural heritage, or simply being there for those who need it most – these groups embody the very best of community spirit.
“Their work reminds us that when people come together with purpose and determination, there is no challenge too great to overcome. To every volunteer recognised today: thank you, and my warmest congratulations.”
KAVS Chair, Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, said: “The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the UK’s top award for groups of remarkable citizens transforming many aspects of life in their local communities.
“For over two decades, these annual awards have shown the people of our country at their very best, coming together from all sections of society to touch virtually every area of need.
“They also reflect the key role which volunteers are playing in times of rapid change. Whether driven by a neighbourly passion to help others or to achieve that well-recognised “high” of personal satisfaction, volunteering taps into a rich spirit of generosity and kindness.
“So let’s celebrate those volunteer-driven groups whose drive and excellence achieve so much for their communities in so many different ways. They are the very best of us.”
Nominations are assessed locally by Lord Lieutenants before a committee of National Assessors reviews recommendations. The assessment identifies groups making tangible community impact, steered by volunteers rather than paid staff, maintaining the highest standards.
You can find out more about Wigan Stars, supported by Salford volunteer Steve Ramage, here.
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