Two community organisations based in Ealing – the Polish YMCA Section in Great Britain and the Ealing Repair Cafe – have been recognised in this year’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the UK’s highest accolade for volunteer-led groups and widely known as the MBE for volunteer groups. They are among 231 organisations across the UK who have been recognised in the 2025 list.

The Polish YMCA Section in Great Britain, located on Gunnersbury Avenue, was named alongside its long-established dance company, Mazury. The organisation has served as a cultural, educational and social hub for London’s Polish community for more than seventy years, with much of its activity delivered by volunteers.

In a statement, the Polish YMCA said: “We are delighted and deeply honoured to announce that the Polish YMCA in Great Britain, together with its dance company ‘Mazury’, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service: the highest recognition granted to volunteer and charitable organisations in the United Kingdom.

“Receiving this honour from His Majesty King Charles III is a profound privilege for both the Polish YMCA and the Mazury Dance Company. The award recognises decades of dedication, passion and voluntary commitment to preserving and promoting Polish culture and heritage on British soil.

“We are immensely proud that the contribution, spirit and legacy of the Polish community have been acknowledged with the highest level of civic recognition in the UK.”

The Ealing Repair Cafe was also honoured. The volunteer-run initiative holds regular repair sessions in venues across the borough, helping residents fix household items, clothing and small electronics. The group aims to reduce waste, encourage reuse and promote practical repair skills within the community.

In a statement, Ealing Repair Cafe said: “Thanks to all our volunteers, supporters and hosts that have supported us over the years. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

“We encourage and run clothes and textiles mending sessions to inspire and encourage people to get the most out of their clothes.
The joy it brings us when we teach someone to mend and they come back and show us the other mending they have done because of it. We love our community of menders.”

Both Polish YMCA Section in Great Britain and Ealing Repair Cafe will be presented with a special certificate and a commemorative crystal. They will also l also be invited to attend a royal garden party in 2026.

KAVS Chair Sir Martyn Lewis CBE said: “The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the UK’s top award for groups of remarkable citizens transforming many aspects of life in their local communities. For over two decades these annual awards have shown the people of our country at their very best, coming together from all sections of society to touch virtually every area of need.”

Entries for the 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service are now open and nominations close on 1 December 2025. Click here to find out more.