Posted on: 27th November 2025

Kidz Klub Leeds, a faith based charity working with partnership of 22 churches to share the love of God in word and deed with 1000+ inner city children each week, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest accolade a UK voluntary group can receive.

This national honour recognises the outstanding commitment of Kidz Klub’s volunteers, who work tirelessly to support over 1,000 children across Leeds through; weekly clubs, home visits, mentoring, trips out, play streets, developing young leaders, schools work, family support work and advocacy. The award celebrates the charity’s 25-year legacy of empowering children and families across 16 inner city Leeds communities.

Known as the MBE for voluntary groups, 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 Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Kidz Klub Leeds are one of only 231 national charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

“We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award,” said Laura France Hodgkinson and Sarah Turner, Charity Co Leaders of Kidz Klub Leeds. “This is a tribute to our incredible volunteers, staff, and supporters who believe in the potential of every child. It’s a moment of pride for Leeds and a powerful reminder of what community-led change can achieve.”

The King’s Award shines a spotlight on Kidz Klub’s innovative model of relational, long-term support – building trust with families and walking alongside children from early years through to adolescence.

Over 25 years the charity have worked with 28,000 children across 2 generations and have carried out 707,000 home visits alongside their dedicated clubs and extensive frontline services. The charity’s work has been praised for its impact on wellbeing, resilience, and for improving lifelong outcomes for children growing up in inner city communities.

Representatives of Kidz Klub Leeds will receive the award crystal and certificate from HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Ed Anderson (CBE) of West Yorkshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers will attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

To celebrate this milestone, Kidz Klub Leeds is inviting supporters, partners, and the public to learn more, get involved and help spread the word:

Visit: www.kidzklubleeds.org.uk

Follow us on Instagram: @kidzklubleeds

Join the conversation on X: @KidzKlubLeeds

Connect on LinkedIn: Kidz Klub Leeds