ROYAL recognition was bestowed on a West Somerset charity on Saturday (May 17) when Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq presented the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Exmoor Young Voices (EYV).

The award was announced last November and Saturday’s presentation, equivalent to an individual person receiving an MBE, took place in Dulverton Town Hall.

Exmoor Young Voices was one of three Somerset charities in 2024 to be chosen for the coveted award, the highest which can be given to voluntary groups in the UK to celebrate outstanding work.

Mr Saddiq said: “Exmoor Young Voices embodies and aligns with issues long espoused by His Majesty, empowerment of young people, fostering community cohesion and well-being, and preserving the rural environment and heritage.

“It is an honour for me to present them with their award.”

Chairman Will Lock receives the King's Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Exmoor Young Voices from Somerset Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq. PHOTO: George Ody.
Chairman Will Lock receives the King's Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Exmoor Young Voices from Somerset Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

EYV is an organisation of young residents and workers on the moor who tackle issues including housing, digital inclusion, employment, communications, travel and local wages.

A spokesperson said: “It is such an honour for Exmoor Young Voices to receive this award from the King and great for a small charity on Exmoor to get recognition on a national stage.

“Often, the many adversities faced by young people have been overlooked but with great support from volunteers, advisers, and partnering organisations, we are working to make it possible for young people to stay living and working on Exmoor.

“We would like to thank all of the supporters, advisers, and partnering organisations who have supported us and enabled us to continue helping young people on the moor and ensure their voices are heard.”

The group exists to:

• Engage young people across Exmoor, West Somerset, and North Devon

• Listen to their issues

• Offer dedicated support from expert advisers

• Report their experiences and propose strategies to key policy and decision-makers

The majority of people it helps are aged 18 to 35 years and still living at home, although EYV is steadily improving conditions for many to be independent and boosting their prospects of owning sustainable homes of their own through self-build initiatives.

EYV is a self-organising and self-directing all-volunteer group who bring their own persuasive, practical, and innovative solutions to a raft of 59 authority policy makers and budget holders to prioritise housing, digital inclusion, rents, earnings, travel, and transport in an effort to sustain a balanced population on Exmoor.

Charity co-ordinator Megan Hunt said: “Ultimately, we strive for positive action that prioritises young people’s needs, our golden goal being to prevent them from needing to leave the area and help them stay working and living on Exmoor.”

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jane Sedgman, who leads for the Lord Lieutenancy on the award scheme, said: “Exmoor Young Voices is what this awards scheme is all about and we are thrilled they have been formally recognised.

“The award is prestigious and is an encouragement for those who give so generously of their time and expertise.”

Organisations which want to know how to apply for the King’s Award can find out more information on the scheme’s website.