A Staffordshire charity that has supported people through bereavement and loss for more than four decades has officially received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a special presentation ceremony.
Stafford & District Bereavement & Loss Support Service (SDBLSS) was awarded the honour in November 2025, becoming one of just five organisations in Staffordshire to receive the prestigious award, which is regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.
The formal presentation took place on Monday 15 June 2026 at Stafford’s Civic Offices, where more than 60 guests gathered to celebrate the charity’s achievement.
Among those attending were His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, and the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, along with current and former volunteers, supporters and representatives from organisations connected to the charity.
The Lord Lieutenant presented the King’s Award crystal trophy to Shyamali Fenton, Chair and Trustee of SDBLSS.
The certificate, signed by King Charles III, was presented to Lesley Bailey, the charity’s Company Secretary and Fundraiser.
Volunteers also received King’s Award badges, which they will wear when representing the charity.
Earlier in the month, on Monday 8 June, volunteers Angela Blanchard and Lesley Bailey attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of the award.
The celebration also included a commemorative cake created and donated by Stafford baker Emily, of Emmies Buttercream Beauties, featuring the King’s Award crown logo.
SDBLSS has provided free support to adults experiencing bereavement and loss across Stafford, Stone and the surrounding district for the past 42 years.
The charity thanked its volunteers, support staff, partner organisations and everyone who attended the presentation, recognising their contribution to helping it continue providing free support to local people experiencing bereavement or loss.
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