Congratulations to the two Berkshire groups that have been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2023!

My Cancer My Choices, based in Wokingham.

My Cancer My Choices (MCMC) provides complementary therapies and support, to empower cancer patients, in Berkshire, to make active choices to improve their well-being, as they come to terms with their diagnosis. Specialists volunteer their time to offer a range of one-to-one and group therapies, which help manage the side-effects of conventional treatment and improve the mental health of patients. Uniquely, these choices are offered to people from the time of first diagnosis, and are not restricted by individual’s finances
nor are they confined to those in the advanced stages of cancer.

The Ceremonial Wardens, based in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Ceremonial Wardens were established to support Thames Valley Police with event management at the Guard Change in Windsor, with particular reference to the supervision
of the crowds who attend these events. Guard Change occurs at least three times a week, and there are many other significant public events in and around Windsor at which
members of the royal family are present; often there are also local, national and international dignitaries. The Wardens provide an invaluable service, both assisting the
police with general supervision and providing a non police presence to manage the crowds and provide local information to the visitors. Their presence ensures increased security for
every event, reducing the risk of threat to the public.

There are 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups receiving this prestigious award in 2023. 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. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. 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.