'It inspires us to continue serving': Joy for Wolverhampton food bank team awarded King's Award for voluntary groups
A Wolverhampton community group and food bank have been celebrating after being awarded the UK’s highest honour for voluntary service.
Secret Angels WLV CIC has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in recognition of its outstanding work supporting vulnerable individuals and families across the city.
The accolade, often described as the 'MBE for voluntary groups', celebrates the impact and dedication of volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities and was created in 2002 to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and continues under King Charles III to honour outstanding contributions by volunteer groups across the UK.
Founded by Alvina Ali, Secret Angels WLV CIC provides essential services such as a community food bank, cost of living support, digital inclusion sessions, and wellbeing support, with the organisation seen by many as a vital lifeline for residents facing hardship, particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Secret Angels operates from Park Village Education Centre on Cannock Road in Wolverhampton and runs weekly projects including the Secret Angels Food Bank, Plugged In – Digital Skills for Everyone, Java Joy, and Befriending Support for residents who are isolated or struggling with day-to-day challenges.
