Exeter charity awarded top national honour for outstanding volunteer work

Rainbow Living, the Exeter-based volunteer-led charity providing supported housing for adults with learning disabilities, has been named one of four Devon organisations to receive the 2025 King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest national honour given to volunteer groups.

The King’s Award, often described as the MBE for voluntary groups, recognises outstanding contributions made by volunteers across the UK. 

Rainbow Living, founded in 2006, is almost entirely volunteer-run and provides supported living for 24 adults across four adapted homes in Exeter and one in Torquay. 

The charity works with care providers, families and local partners to help tenants live as independently as possible.

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Ruth Airdrie MBE, a Director at Rainbow Living, said the award reflects nearly two decades of commitment from volunteers, trustees and supporters: “We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service,” she said. 

“This recognition is a tribute to the incredible commitment of our volunteers and the life-changing impact of inclusive housing. Rainbow Living volunteers are the heart of our mission.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, also acknowledged the contribution of all four Devon recipients, describing their work as “outstanding examples” of volunteering across the county.

The other Devon winners are Basics Devon, Bob the Bus in Totnes, and Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled. 

While each organisation represents a different part of the county’s voluntary sector, Rainbow Living’s award highlights Exeter’s role in providing inclusive, community-supported housing for adults with learning disabilities.

The charity hopes the national recognition will encourage more volunteers and supporters to join its work as it continues developing long-term housing solutions for people with additional needs.