Kidz Klub Leeds, a faith-based, grassroots children’s charity transforming lives across inner-city Leeds through the love of God, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest accolade a UK voluntary group can receive. This national honour reflects the charity’s long-term commitment to bringing hope, stability and opportunities to children living in some of the city’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
For 25 years, Kidz Klub has been a constant and trusted presence in communities such as Holbeck, Beeston Hill, Harehills, Little London, Gipton, and other inner-city estates where child poverty, social isolation, and limited access to safe play spaces continue to significantly affect childhood outcomes. The charity’s team of volunteers and staff work in partnership with families, schools, churches, and local organisations, and also have a business network called Network for Good, to create nurturing environments where children can develop confidence, build resilience, and feel valued.
Each week, volunteers support over 1,000 children across Leeds through a wide range of activities designed to meet social, emotional and practical needs. This includes high-energy after-school clubs, home visits, one-to-one mentoring, holiday activities, trips and experiences that broaden horizons, and “play streets” that transform local roads into temporary play zones. Kidz Klub also invests in developing young leaders, supporting children as they grow into confident teenagers who can serve and inspire their own communities. Alongside this, the charity provides schools work, family support, and advocacy, ensuring children receive holistic support tailored to their circumstances.
The King’s Award shines a spotlight on Kidz Klub’s distinctive model of relational, long-term support. Rather than providing short-term programmes, the charity commits to walking alongside children and families from early years through to adolescence. Volunteers carry out regular home visits – over 707,000 to date – building trust, strengthening relationships and ensuring that no child is overlooked. This consistent presence is what families often describe as “the heartbeat” of the charity’s work.
Over the past quarter-century, Kidz Klub has engaged with more than 28,000 children across two generations. Many parents now bringing their own children to the clubs once attended themselves. The charity’s impact has been widely praised for improving wellbeing, boosting confidence, building resilience, and supporting better long-term outcomes for children growing up in areas facing significant socio-economic challenges.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award,” said Laura France Hodgkinson and Sarah Turner, Charity Co-Leaders of Kidz Klub Leeds. “This is a tribute to our incredible volunteers, staff, and supporters who believe in the potential of every child. It’s a moment of pride for Leeds and a powerful reminder of what community-led change can achieve.”
Known informally as the “MBE for volunteer groups,” the King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding community work delivered by local organisations across the UK. Originally created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the award continues under His Majesty The King. In 2025, Kidz Klub Leeds joins a small and distinguished group of just 231 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups receiving the honour nationally.
Representatives of Kidz Klub Leeds will receive the crystal award and certificate from HM Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson (CBE) of West Yorkshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers will be attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace – an opportunity that highlights the value and dedication of the charity’s volunteer team.
As Kidz Klub celebrates this milestone, the charity is inviting supporters, partners and the wider public to learn more, get involved and help champion its mission to see children and communities thrive.
