West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team (WCSAR) is proud to announce that we have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom, and one that is equivalent to an MBE. This prestigious recognition is awarded to outstanding volunteer groups whose work makes a significant impact within their communities.

For our volunteers, this award is a powerful acknowledgement of the countless hours they dedicate to helping people across West Cornwall — at any hour, in any weather, and often in challenging and unpredictable conditions.

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Serving West Cornwall, 24 Hours a Day

WCSAR is made up entirely of unpaid volunteers. Our team includes people from all walks of life — from teachers and paramedics to engineers, brewers, carers and retirees — all united by one purpose: to help those in need.

We provide support to the emergency services in searching for missing, lost or injured people across West Cornwall. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our volunteers give their time freely to carry out:

• Searches for vulnerable missing people
• Medical treatment in remote or hard-to-reach areas
• Rope and water rescues
• Mine and cave rescues
• Casualty evacuation
• Search management and coordination

We work closely with Devon & Cornwall Police, South Western Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, local fire and rescue services, and our partner organisations within Mountain Rescue England & Wales and the British Cave Rescue Council.

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Responding When Cornwall Needs Us Most

Although our primary focus is West Cornwall, the team has also been deployed to assist with major incidents across the South West. These have included:

• The “Beast from the East” blizzards
• Major flood events
• The Plymouth WW2 bomb evacuation

WCSAR in its current form was founded in 2019, building on the decades of work carried out by the Cornwall Rescue Group (established in 2002), which previously covered the whole county.

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Entirely Volunteer-Run, Community-Funded

Every member of WCSAR is a volunteer. The team has no paid staff, and we receive no government or emergency service funding. Keeping the team operational costs around £15,000 per year, which covers training, equipment maintenance, vehicle running costs, and essential safety gear.

We are able to continue this vital work only because of the generosity and support of local people, businesses and organisations across Cornwall.

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A Recognition of Teamwork, Commitment and Community

Our Chairman, Andy Brelsford, said:

“We’re incredibly proud and humbled to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This honour belongs to every single volunteer who has given their time, energy and compassion to help those in need across Cornwall. Our work is only possible because of the dedication of our team, the support of our families, and the kindness of our community. This award is a wonderful recognition of the spirit of teamwork and service that keeps us going.”

Team Leader, Chris Mayer, added:

“Our volunteers train year-round and are ready to respond at any hour, often in difficult and unpredictable conditions. Being recognised with this award means so much to us all – it reflects not only the commitment of our team but also the trust that the people of Cornwall place in us when they need help the most. We’re truly honoured.”

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Looking Ahead

Representatives of WCSAR will receive the official award crystal and certificate from Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026, joining other recipients from across the UK.

As one of 231 charities, social enterprises and volunteer organisations recognised this year, we are humbled to stand alongside so many groups working tirelessly to support their communities.

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Thank You

We extend our deepest thanks to:

• Our volunteers
• Their families and loved ones
• Our partner agencies
• Local businesses
• Supporters and donors
• The people of Cornwall

This award is a reflection of the trust you place in us and the support you continue to give.
We are honoured — and more motivated than ever to continue serving our community.

Visit the Kings Award website here – https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/