Testwood Lakes Sailability, a group of volunteers based in Totton, Southampton, have been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE.

“Do you have a Disability? Fancy a sail?”

Testwood Lakes Sailability, a charity run entirely by volunteers gives people with learning or physical disabilities, including wheelchair users, the chance to experience the freedom and joy of dinghy sailing. Some participants simply enjoy a relaxing sail on the lake, while others develop their skills — and a few even go on to sail solo. Whatever their ability, the independence and pleasure that sailing brings are truly life-enhancing.

Run by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers, Testwood Lakes Sailability offers opportunities for everyone to get involved - whether as skippers, on reception, helping with life jackets, assisting on the pontoon, supporting administration, or even making the  all-important tea.

Testwood Lakes Sailability is one of 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. 

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 Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.

Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as 

• a group of dog walkers clearing up their local area in Kincardineshire; 

• a group providing unique flying experiences for people with disabilities in Hampshire.  

• a group providing support to veterans and their families across Welsh Valley communities; 

• a group running a museum and non-profit railway In Belfast, preserving Northern Ireland's railway heritage.

The Award

Representatives of Testwood Lakes Sailability will receive the award crystal and certificate from Nigel Atkinson, Lord-Lieutenant* of Hampshire in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Testwood Lakes Sailability will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award. 

The Trustees said:

“How incredibly proud and delighted we are to have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025!
This honour recognises the amazing contribution and hard work that our volunteers, past and present, have made over the years to grow Testwood Lakes Sailability into not only a successful but also an enjoyable charity to be involved in.
It enables us to offer the freedom of dinghy sailing to a greater number of people with disabilities. Thank you to all our sponsors and everyone who has made our work possible.”

This award celebrates the spirit of inclusion, teamwork and joy that defines Testwood Lakes Sailability — proving that with the right support, the water truly is open to everyone.

#KAVS2025    #Volunteering    #Hampshire

*Lord-Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties.