Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union honoured with prestigious King’s Award

Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union has been honoured with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) for ‘supporting those facing adversity in family life and advocating for social justice’. It is one of 250 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The KAVS award is the highest accolade bestowed on local voluntary groups in the UK – equivalent to an MBE – and is awarded for life.

MU’s Diocesan President, Mrs Kaye Nesbitt, has welcomed the announcement as humbling and gratifying. “We in Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union are delighted at today’s news that King Charles has honoured us with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). The citation says it’s been given to Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union for ‘supporting those facing adversity in family life and advocating for social justice’. It is both gratifying and humbling to see this work acknowledged by the King.

“We had a great saying, many years ago: ‘We’re not just tea-makers.’ We go above and beyond. For generations, MU members throughout our Diocese have made a huge and positive difference to the lives of people who’ve met adversity.

“Our voice has been loud and strong in campaigning against gender-based violence and domestic abuse, and we’ve been to the fore in supporting victims. We’ve helped MU Worldwide to empower women, raise literacy levels, and combat poverty. At home, our members have provided hundreds and hundreds of hospital packs, made trauma teddies for children, knitted thousands of woollen garments and blankets for babies in neo-natal care.

“Much of this support has happened ‘under the radar’. In providing it, we have been following in the footsteps of generations of MU members. So, this award is not just for current Mothers’ Union members. It’s also for the women who started branches way back in the early 1900s, who shared Mary Sumner’s vision, and who inspired us.

“We don’t do it for accolade, although it is incredibly encouraging to have our efforts recognised by the King. We do it to help people in need. We do it because Jesus calls us to love our neighbour. So, to God be the glory.”

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev’d Andrew Forster, was quick to congratulate Derry and Raphoe MU on its achievement. “The KAVS award is an outstanding honour and I congratulate our Diocesan MU members wholeheartedly on their achievement. Throughout its history, Mothers’ Union has been a blessing to those in need in our diocese through its commitment to prayer, fellowship and practical support. I am in awe of what its members have accomplished in God’s name, not just in our own parishes but around the world.

“Mothers’ Union is the heartbeat, the backbone and the ‘stone in the shoe’ in our parishes. When things have to be done, MU members step up and do them. They provide a resilient and solid core in our church family. They are the ‘stone in the shoe’ reminding the rest of us of God’s call to the marginalised, the poor, and the suffering. The award from the King has been hard-earned and is richly deserved. May Mothers’ Union continue to bless us and inspire us for many years to come.”

The All Ireland President of Mothers’ Union, Kay Clarke, welcomed news of the King’s Award as a “towering achievement” for MU members. “As a proud 'Derry girl' myself, I am absolutely delighted that the King has honoured our Diocesan Mothers' Union with a KAVS award,” Mrs Clarke said. “When I wear my All Ireland President's hat, I have the privilege of seeing the good work done by our members right across the island. This work has such a positive impact in our communities – especially on the lives of women and children. Our world would be the poorer without it.

“Derry and Raphoe Mothers' Union is an incredible force for good – an incredible force for God – and it is such an encouragement to see its efforts acknowledged and celebrated with a King's Award. I congratulate Derry and Raphoe Mothers' Union on this towering achievement. They have made me very, very proud – in a good way.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of King Charles III. 2026 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Representatives of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union will receive the award crystal and certificate from The Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Mr Ian Crowe MBE DL, in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June next year, along with other recipients of this year’s award.