Volunteers for Outlookers, the sight loss charity with support groups across Kirklees, have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

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

Outlookers is a user-led charity with face-to-face and virtual peer support groups, supporting anyone in Kirklees with a visual impairment. Outlookers is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

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

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s birthday.

Representatives of Outlookers will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson in the near future.

In addition, two volunteers from Outlookers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

David Quarmby, chair of the Board of Trustees and founder of Outlookers, said: “Established by blind and partially sighted individuals, Outlookers was created to empower others in our community by sharing skills, knowledge and experiences.

“Through invaluable peer support, we help one another access the guidance and assistance needed to continue pursuing the activities we love. Together, we benefit by learning from each other’s journeys.”

Mark Owen, CEO of Outlookers, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the outstanding commitment of our volunteers has been honoured.

“Without them, our work providing peer and technology support to people living with a visual impairment across Kirklees would not be possible.”

Laura Gibbins, volunteer co-ordinator for Outlookers, said: “It’s a marvellous award for such deserving and inspiring people.

“Our volunteer team are generous and committed to our cause. Their belief in our mission is the reason this charity is thriving in providing our sight loss community with a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive environment.”

 

Uniform Exchange volunteers celebrate King’s Award for Voluntary Service the equivalent of an MBE