United Youth Alliance, a social action youth and community organisation based on the Fylde Coast was thrilled to announce that they have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This prestigious accolade is the highest recognition a local voluntary group can achieve in the United Kingdom, and it is equivalent to an MBE.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a testament to the outstanding dedication, commitment, and impact that United Youth Alliance has had on the community. This esteemed award acknowledges the organisation’s relentless efforts in fostering positive change and embracing young people and the community through various projects with the support of volunteers from business, local organisations and the community, on the Fylde Coast.
To celebrate this remarkable achievement, United Youth Alliance hosted a grand celebration evening on the 18th of January 2024 at the iconic Blackpool Tower. The event was attended by key community figures, supporters, and volunteers who have been instrumental in the organisation’s success.
The evening was marked by keynote speeches, reflections on the organisation’s journey, and the opportunity for Ella Humphries and Evie Whitham, Social Action Ambassadors, to launch the Young Person’s Coastal Social Action Group. Attendees were treated to a night of live music from Imogen Evans reflecting the spirit of unity that defines the United Youth Alliance.
The award not only acknowledges the organisation’s past achievements but also serves as a motivation for United Youth Alliance to continue their invaluable work in creating positive change and opportunities alongide young people across the Fylde Coast.
Over the last five years, UYA have demonstrated the true value of community development and partnership working, that supports the opportunities and issues impacting the lives of people across the Fylde Coast. Their ability to engage business and put them at the heart of volunteering is evident by the projects they facilitate. It has been a privilege to work with and help the Team and Volunteers make their impact. I look forward to the next five years and wish UYA the best of luck for the future.” Andy Charles, Blackpool Pride of Place Director, Business in the Community
A huge congratulations to the United Youth Alliance and delight at the fantastic news of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, UYA have never stopped working in servocie to their communities, Whether they are persuading business leaders to support the first International Women’s day in Blackpool or convening fifty brilliant young women to shape their vision of Blackpool and the Fylde, or advocating for more youth engagement in Blackpool. They advocate for the voice of our young people. UYA are a very worthy and outstanding recipient of the King’s Award – and knowing him – he would be so proud of what you have achieved in this great town!” Dame Julia Cleverdon CBE, Vice Patron, Teach First
United Youth Alliance a social action youth and community organisation based on the Fylde Coast have just been awarded The 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.
United Youth Alliance (UYA), Founded by Deborah Terras in 2018, working alongside the public, private and community sectors to promote social action initiatives that benefit the voluntary, community and civil society organisations. Offering co-designed community led, time limited interventions, which include social action, research, training and events, that in turn support and develop communities.
United Youth Alliance is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.
United Youth Alliance will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mrs Amanda Parker JP, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire later this summer. In addition, United Youth Alliance will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. Being granted The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a tremendous honor that reflects the unwavering commitment of our team and the transformative impact of our community-led initiatives.
Jake Adams a Director of UYA says: We are profoundly thankful for this prestigious recognition and remain steadfast to nurturing positive change in our community, collaborating with our partners to continuing our mission of empowering our community and driving positive change for years to come, united in our commitment to make a difference.