Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort to mark their Coronation by recognising inspiring volunteers and communities and Community Big Lunch

To mark the Coronation of Their Majesties, The Coronation Champions Awards, with the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, will celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities.

Her Majesty The Queen Consort, said, “I am delighted to be launching the Coronation Champions Awards with the Royal Voluntary Service, to shine a light on the herculean efforts of our nation’s volunteers.  Up and down the country, millions of unsung heroes are contributing to their local communities, giving generously of their time and their talents to enhance the lives of others.”

“If you know a volunteer who is making a difference, please be sure to share their story.  We would love to hear about them!”

Her Majesty is a passionate and long-standing advocate of volunteering and President of the Royal Voluntary Service which is organising the awards to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers across the UK.  They will commend outstanding volunteers from all communities and also aim to inspire others to explore what volunteering has to offer.  There will be eight categories of awards, from volunteering in health or animal welfare, to supporting the environment or sports and heritage.   Anyone can nominate a volunteer they know for an award.  Judges will also be on the lookout to celebrate rising stars as ‘Young Coronation Champions’ (aged 14-18).

The awards opened for nominations on 20th February 2023 and will close on 2nd April. 500 Coronation Champions will be announced before the Coronation weekend.  Visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/coronation-champions-awards to nominate a volunteer or to find out more.

The Coronation Big Lunch is the community celebration for the Coronation, inviting neighbours and communities to share friendship, food and fun together as part of this historic occasion. Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch since 2013, supporting the annual event which brings people together in a nationwide act of community and friendship to get to know one another a little better. For more information you can sign up for a free organiser pack at CoronationBigLunch.com which is full of top tips, fun ideas, practical advice and everything one needs to get Coronation Big Lunch party planning started.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation, says, “At the Foundation we are moved by the many examples of the selfless work we see being undertaken by volunteers at the community groups and charities we support. Cornwall has a proud history of communities that pull together to support people who are struggling. The Coronation Champions Awards are a wonderful opportunity to nominate the people in Cornwall who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering so they can have the recognition their contributions so richly deserve.”