Horsham charity receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE.

Originating in 2015 with a walking football group, HSCP has expanded its activities and now members can take part in pétanque, the Shipley Men's Shed, and a ‘green team’ site maintenance group, all based at a Knepp Estate site shared with TD Shipley FC.

The group also runs volunteer-led guided cycle rides and walks around the wider area, and hosts summer barbecues and a Christmas event for its members.

Trustee Richard Harris said: “At HSCP, our aim has always been a simple one – to help people stay busy, active and connected through enjoyable activities that promote fun, fitness, friendship and social interaction.

“But none of what we do, or what we have achieved, would be possible without the wonderful support, enthusiasm and participation of our members and volunteers who help, so this award belongs to everyone connected with HSCP.

“Everyone who helps, everyone who joins in and everyone who has been so positive about what we do."

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

HSCP is one of 250 small charities across the country to receive the prestigious award this year, and only four of them are from West Sussex.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. This year marks the third year of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The 250 award winners this year are wonderfully diverse volunteer groups from across the UK.

The three other charities recognised from West Sussex are Options Pregnancy Centre in Chichester, The Pulborough and District Community Care Association, and Refugees Welcome Crawley.

Representatives of HSCP will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lady Emma Barnard, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, in the coming months.

In addition, two volunteers from HSCP will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in mid-2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Chair of HSCP trustees, Philip Gibbs said: “I am so delighted that our group’s work has been recognised, and I'd also like to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of the other trustees, and also our volunteers who make this all possible.

“Recognition of groups like ours just reminds us that right across the UK fantastic people are volunteering their time, contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.”

More information on HSCP is at https://HorshamShipleyCommunityProject.org, and more information about the recipients and the KAVS Award can be found at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/.