PRESS RELEASE
BMHC Scout Group honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025
Manchester, UK 14 November 2025: The BMHC Scout Group, based in the City of Manchester, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2025—the highest national honour for local volunteer groups, described as the MBE for volunteer organisations.
The BMHC Scout Group becomes one of the very few Scout groups in the UK to receive this prestigious recognition, marking an extraordinary milestone in its eleventh year of service. Founded in 2014, the Group has grown into a thriving, inclusive community hub—empowering young people and women to lead, serve and strengthen society. Volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours each year to mentoring young people, promoting leadership and teamwork, and building bridges across communities in Greater Manchester.
Ms Shakila Ellahi, Group Lead Volunteer of the BMHC Scout Group, said: “This recognition belongs to every single volunteer who gives their time week after week to support over 150 children and young people in our community. As a Muslim faith-based Scout group, we take great pride in serving both the Muslim and wider community, creating opportunities for growth, friendship, and understanding. We’re especially proud that our work empowering women and young people has been recognised at the highest level. It motivates us to keep growing, learning, and serving together.”
Mr Ashraf Ali MBE FRSA, one of the Founding Trustee of the BMHC Scout Group, said: “We are humbled to receive national recognition from His Majesty The King. This award is an incredible honour for our volunteers, families, and young people. It recognises a decade of service in developing young people, empowering women, and strengthening community cohesion. Our volunteers—many of them local women from diverse backgrounds—have been at the heart of this journey, inspiring the next generation to make a difference in their communities. I am grateful to have been part of this group’s journey from the very start, and I remain committed to supporting the group however I can.”
Mr Anthony Boggiano, Chair of Manchester South Scout District, said: ”On behalf of the entire Manchester South District, I am absolutely delighted for BMHC Scout Group. To receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest possible accolade, and it recognises over a decade of inspirational work. The group embodies the spirit of Scouting through its incredible inclusivity, its dedication to empowering young people and women, and its profound positive impact on our community. This is a proud day for every one of their volunteers and a wonderful inspiration for Scouting across our city.”
Dr Afzal Khan CBE MP, Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton, said: “This is fantastic news for Manchester and a proud moment for the BMHC Scout Group. Their volunteers change lives, giving young people confidence, skills and a sense of belonging, while championing women’s leadership in our communities. I warmly congratulate everyone involved on this well-earned national recognition.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s strength lies in its communities and the people who give back to them. The BMHC Scout Group has built something truly remarkable—empowering women and young people to achieve, connect and make a difference. This award is richly deserved and reflects the best of our city’s spirit.”
Mr Nasar Mahmood OBE, Chair of the British Muslim Heritage Centre, said: “The British Muslim Heritage Centre is proud to have been the home of the BMHC Scout Group for over a decade. Their commitment to nurturing young people through faith, service and leadership reflects the very values our Centre stands for. We congratulate the Group on this remarkable milestone and national recognition.”
About The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and continued by His Majesty The King, it recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups that benefit their communities.
About BMHC Scout Group
Founded in South Manchester in 2014, the BMHC Scout Group supports over 150 children and young people aged 4–18 to take part in fun, challenging and rewarding activities. The Group promotes leadership, teamwork and community service, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and empowering women and young people to contribute positively to society.
Media enquiries: Ashraf Ali MBE FRSA, E: ashraf.ali@mansouthscouts.org.uk , T: 07545 853126
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