Wigan Stars honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service
Wigan Support, Training, Activities and Respite Services known as Wigan Stars, based in the heart of Wigan town centre, is proud to announce that it has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom. The award is equivalent to an MBE and recognises the outstanding work carried out by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
Wigan Stars is one of 231 groups across the UK to receive the award in 2025, which marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Founded in 2010, Wigan Stars evolved into its own charity from the Wigan Mencap Gateway Club and obtained its charitable registration in January 2010. The organisation provides support, training, activities and respite services for young people and adults with learning disabilities and profound and multiple disabilities.
Through a wide range of planned activities at community venues and within its base at Hallgate House, Wigan Stars offers members the opportunity to develop social skills, build friendships and take part in meaningful community experiences. These activities also raise public awareness of members’ abilities rather than disabilities, helping to build a more inclusive and understanding community across Wigan.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2021, Wigan Stars faced one of its biggest challenges. “We thought we were going to lose everything,” said Steve Ramage, Vice Chair and Building Manager. “Thankfully, because we had a business bank account, we qualified for a £10,000 business grant which helped us survive through those difficult times. Now, in 2025, we have come so far. We have supported hundreds of people, today we have around 30 regular members, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years, and now we are receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is an incredible achievement for everyone involved.”
Steve added: “We are deeply honoured to receive this award, which is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of our volunteers. Some of our volunteers have been with Wigan Stars for over 25 years, and their commitment has been the foundation of everything we have achieved. This recognition will help us raise our profile and reach even more people in our community.”
About Wigan Stars:
Wigan Stars (Support, Training, Activities and Respite Services) is a registered charity based in Wigan that supports young people and adults with learning disabilities and profound and multiple disabilities. The organisation provides inclusive social opportunities and community engagement through structured activities designed to build confidence, skills and independence.