Marmalade Trust awarded The King’s Award!

We are delighted and honoured to have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service! 🎉

Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, and we are truly humbled to be recognized for our commitment to raising awareness about loneliness and fostering connections. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, this award adds a special sparkle to a decade of impactful work.

Over the past 10 years, 1000’s of incredible volunteers have supported us in our mission to create a society where we recognise that loneliness exists and support each other to find new friendships and connections.

A particular highlight in our journey has been the launch of Loneliness Awareness Week in 2017, a groundbreaking event instrumental in breaking down the stigma associated with loneliness. This annual event has grown each year, both nationally and internationally, thanks to the passion and hard work of our dedicated volunteers.

And let's not forget the heartwarming Christmas Cheer event on Christmas Day, where companionship and joy are spread to those who would otherwise be alone – a true testament to the power of community.

The King’s Award acknowledges the tireless efforts of not only our staff and partners but, most importantly, our incredible volunteers. Your dedication has contributed to a more inclusive and connected society, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Our founder and CEO, Amy Perrin, sums up our feelings perfectly, "We are deeply honoured to receive The King’s Award, especially as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. This award reflects the incredible passion and hard work of our team, and our dedicated supporters and volunteers. It also reaffirms our belief that, together, we can create a society that acknowledges loneliness and supports each other to find new social connections.”

As we look ahead to the next decade, the King’s Award serves as a symbol of our commitment to promoting a more compassionate and connected world. We hope that more people will want to join our volunteer team and see firsthand what a difference volunteering can make. We are so proud of all we have achieved, and we couldn’t do any of it without the skill, care and dedication of our amazing volunteers.