Coffee morning fuels new wave of volunteer enthusiasm

Aspire 2 Inspire Communities hosted a lively coffee morning in Rochdale, marking the first event of its kind in the area. Attended by over 25 local organisations, the gathering served as a platform to discuss the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Special guests included Deputy Lieutenants Asrar Ul-Haq OBE, Louise Scott, and Karen Lee, representing Rochdale and Bury, who shared their insights on the award process and its importance for community organisations.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, often described as the equivalent of an MBE for organisations, celebrates excellence in the voluntary sector.

Aspire 2 Inspire Communities themselves are past recipients of the award, a recognition of the exceptional contributions made by their volunteers.

During the event last month, Aspire 2 Inspire directors highlighted the transformative impact of winning the KAVS. They explained how the award recognises the tireless dedication of volunteers, offering a vital boost to their morale and further shining a light on the group’s efforts within the community.

The organisation’s Saturday food pantry and youth clubs were showcased as examples of volunteer-led initiatives making a tangible difference.

A key message shared by the directors was the growing engagement of young people. Increasingly, youth are transitioning from service users to volunteers, driven by a desire to give back to their community.

Aspire 2 Inspire hopes to encourage more organisations to seek recognition through the KAVS, amplifying their influence and impact.
 

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The coffee morning was also a significant networking opportunity. Representatives from 18 different local organisations exchanged ideas, forged connections, and explored collaborative possibilities.

Discussions touched on shared challenges, such as barriers in the application process for the KAVS, and brainstormed ways to overcome these obstacles.

Founder Kalsoom described the event as a resounding success. She said: "Several attendees expressed their gratitude for the insights shared and indicated their intention to explore applying for the King’s Award. It was incredible to see the excitement and drive in the room.

"We truly believe this coffee morning sparked a fresh wave of enthusiasm for volunteerism in our community, particularly after hearing the personal stories and journeys that were shared."

The event highlighted Rochdale’s voluntary sector and its potential for growth, as Aspire 2 Inspire continues to act as a "beacon of light" in the community, inspiring others to follow their lead.