Rochdale charity celebrates King’s Award triumph

Posted by on 12 May 2024

A Rochdale charity that provides support for families caring for children with complex medical needs or physical disabilities has been presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

Jolly Josh founder Carole and James Kelly were invited to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace on 8 May to celebrate the award, which is presented to volunteer-led groups that “are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community.”

Jolly Josh, based in a purpose-built centre in Castleton, runs a variety of activities for children and young people (ages 0-19) and their carers, including themed stay and play and sing and sign sessions, and one-to-one hydrotherapy sessions in the hydrotherapy pool. It also organises a youth social group, a safe and inclusive space for 11-19 year olds to hang out and explore their interests.

“We’re shocked and delighted to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is a wonderful testament to the work of everyone at the Jolly Josh Centre,” said Carole, who founded the charity after the death of her own son, Josh. “Three years ago we didn’t have a base. Now we have a centre that supports over 100 families with facilities that are almost unique in the North West.”

Carole hopes the King’s Award will help boost fundraising efforts, increase interest in the work of the centre and create a sense of pride and achievement among everyone connected to the centre.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a sister award to the King’s Award for Enterprise, which celebrates organisations doing great things in the areas of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Any eligible organisation can apply and organisations that have received the award report benefits including worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, greater press coverage and a boost to staff morale. Previous recipients in Rochdale include Crystal Doors, Chelburn Precision Engineering, GJD and Hopwood hall college and university centre.