A mental health support organisation in Pembrokeshire, founded as a result of a family tragedy has received the honour of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Megan’s Starr Foundation received the prestigious accolade for its important work in supporting young people with mental health issues in Milford Haven and across Pembrokeshire.

Nicola Harteveld set up the foundation in the wake of the death of her daughter Megan, who sadly took her own life in 2017 after struggling with her mental health.

Nicola’s strength in supporting others despite the tragic events has been recognised by the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards joined Nicola, her family, and Megan’s Starr volunteers to present the award at the Dizzy Bear Café on Milford Haven Waterfront on Monday, March 30.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL gave the opening address, and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Mr Andew Phillips was also in attendance along with the Lord Lieutenant Cadet Aeron James.

Nicola said: “We are incredibly proud to share that Megan’s Starr Foundation has been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025.

“This prestigious national honour reflects the dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment of our incredible volunteers, who give their time and energy to support young people through some of life’s toughest challenges.

“And most of all, it belongs to Megan, whose beauty, kindness, and love lives on in everything we do.”

The Lord Lieutenant added: “It was a pleasure to present the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to a truly deserving group of volunteers. The work Nicola and the Megan’s Starr Foundation does has an important impact on the area’s young people and they should be extremely proud.”

Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Services is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

For 2025, Megan’s Starr was one of just five organisations in Wales to receive the Award.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

Last year, ‘Megan’s Starr Foundation’ picked up a special accolade at the Child of Wales Awards 2025 - which celebrates inspirational achievements of remarkable young people across Wales.

The foundation won the ‘Outstanding Charity’ award at the event.

Entirely community led and built without statutory funding, the foundation has delivered over 2,000 hours of free counselling, 5,000 hot meals, and more than 20,000 volunteer hours.

It has helped over 200 families stay together, supported ALN and NEET young people with mentoring and skills, and created safe spaces like their community café, thrift store, and support centre.

What sets Megan’s Starr apart is their belief in every young person who has been excluded or misunderstood. Lived experience is their heartbeat. Compassion is their model.