CWR celebrates being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service!

On 12 April 2025, Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees (CWR) celebrated receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024, the MBE for charities, with a ceremony at the University of Gloucestershire’s chapel. The achievement was marked with a special presentation by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie. The award recognises the commitment and goodwill of all in Cheltenham who have worked with CWR over the last 10 years, helping to make Cheltenham a place of welcome, solidarity and friendship for those seeking sanctuary here. 

The event began with Simon Witcombe, chaplain at the University and Trustee of CWR, welcoming all the dignitaries and volunteers present. He spoke of how fitting it was for the event to be held at the University, as there are strong links with Student Action for Refugee (STAR) on campus and CWR, with the sanctuary scholarship at the University and the University regularly hosting the charity’s annual summer picnics. 

Volunteers John and Teddy gave short speeches about the personal impact CWR can have for people. Both men joined CWR’s activities, including football, photography and the community ‘Hub’ group, when they arrived in Cheltenham from Eritrea. They both now volunteer with the charity helping to welcome others as they arrive and settle into Cheltenham life. John spoke about the beautiful community he found in Cheltenham and how the Hub group helped him emotionally, psychologically and even with his physical health. He described Cheltenham as, “the safest place I have stayed in my life” and praised the friendly and welcoming people he has met here.  

Cheltenham’s Mayor, Paul Baker, who chose CWR as one of his Mayoral Charities last year and who is also a CWR Trustee, remarked on the incredible honour of receiving the highest award made to volunteer groups. He said, “We want our town to be welcoming, and make people feel safe and secure, and that is what this group of people do.” 

The Lord Lieutenant outlined the rigorous selection process for bestowing the award, stating that the groups must be mostly made up by volunteers, and be volunteer-led, offering a service that meets the needs of the community and is recognised and respected by the local community. He praised CWR for fulfilling this in “an exceptional way.” He offered congratulations and read a message from the King, conferring royal favour and authorising the charity’s use of the King’s Award emblem. 

The Chair of Trustees, Sophie Wardell, offered her thanks to all the volunteers, over 50 of whom were present for the occasion. She said that the “commitment, compassion and generosity of spirit makes Cheltenham a place where hope can grow.” She highlighted the breadth of volunteer roles, from running drop in sessions, cultural events, english classes, kitchen and clean up, drama activities, stating that “every act matters”. She also thanked long-standing supporters including the Cheltenham Quakers, the Everyman, GARAS, Barnwood Trust and ECCTIS. 

The event ended with photos and refreshments and a chance for all the volunteers to enjoy an event celebrating them!