Mallorca charity founder awarded British Empire Medal for helping vulnerable people across the island

A British charity founder who has spent years supporting food banks, homeless shelters and struggling families in Mallorca has been recognised in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours.

Nick Entwisle, founder and president of Yachting Gives Back, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to charity and vulnerable people in Mallorca. The honour recognises the impact of a project that has channelled the generosity of the island’s yachting community into practical support for local people facing hardship.

From superyachts to social support

Entwisle launched Yachting Gives Back after a long career in the marine industry, having spent decades working closely with the yachting sector in Mallorca. The charity was founded with a simple idea: encouraging yachts, crew members and marine businesses to donate food, clothing and essential supplies that could be distributed to people in need.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a well-established charity network supporting a range of organisations across Mallorca. Donations are collected, sorted by volunteers and delivered to groups working with homeless people, families experiencing poverty, mothers and children, and young people in vulnerable situations.

Recognition for a community effort

Following the announcement, Entwisle was quick to share the credit with the many people who have helped the organisation grow.

In a message published after the honour was revealed, he praised the charity’s volunteers and supporters, saying the success of Yachting Gives Back was the result of a collective effort rather than the work of one individual. Volunteers regularly help sort donations and ensure supplies reach local charities across the island.

The British Empire Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and charitable causes. Official honours records state that Entwisle received the award specifically for his services to charity and vulnerable people in Mallorca.

A lasting impact in Mallorca

The award is the latest recognition for Entwisle’s charitable work. In recent years he has also received accolades from within the international yachting industry for helping connect the luxury marine sector with local social causes.

His story highlights a side of Mallorca that visitors do not always see. Behind the glamour of superyachts and luxury tourism, many residents continue to rely on food aid and community support services. Through Yachting Gives Back, thousands of donated items have found their way to people who need them most, creating a bridge between one of the island’s most affluent industries and some of its most vulnerable communities.

For Entwisle, the medal may carry his name, but the achievement reflects the efforts of an entire network of volunteers, donors and charities working together to make a difference across Mallorca.