Youth organisations across Essex — including 1st Ockenden Cub Pack, 4YOUth Brightlingsea and ATF (Achieve, Thrive, Flourish) — were awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service on King Charles III's 77th birthday. The accolade recognises outstanding voluntary work that benefits young people and local communities. Recipients and local officials praised volunteers for creating safe spaces, running events and boosting opportunities. Groups said the honour allows them to thank long-time supporters and may bring special mementos such as uniform badges.
Essex youth groups honoured with King's Award for Voluntary Service
Youth organisations across Essex — including 1st Ockenden Cub Pack, 4YOUth Brightlingsea and ATF (Achieve, Thrive, Flourish) — were awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service on King Charles III's 77th birthday. The accolade recognises outstanding voluntary work that benefits young people and local communities. Recipients and local officials praised volunteers for creating safe spaces, running events and boosting opportunities. Groups said the honour allows them to thank long-time supporters and may bring special mementos such as uniform badges.
09:08 PM, 11/14/2025Society
Local youth groups in Essex receive national recognition
Youth organisations across Essex have been honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest national award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The recipients were announced on King Charles III's 77th birthday in recognition of outstanding community work.
Among those celebrated were the 1st Ockenden Cub Pack, 4YOUth Brightlingsea and ATF (Achieve, Thrive, Flourish). Jennifer Tolhurst, the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, described the awards as a "wonderful tribute to the outstanding work of the voluntary sector" in the county.
4YOUth Brightlingsea provides young people with a safe space and organises music, sporting and social events to engage and support them. Margaret Tay, a representative of the group, said:
"Winning this award is not only recognition for our club as it is today, but is also a chance for us to say 'thank you' to everyone who has contributed to our club over the years."
Paul Morton Kemp of the 1st Ockenden Cub Pack said the group was delighted and hoped to receive a "very special" uniform badge that every cub and leader could wear. "We certainly don't do scouting for recognition or praise, but to get some is massively appreciated," he added.
ATF works with communities "at risk of exclusion" across south Essex to create safe environments that increase opportunity, aspiration and achievement. Stuart Martin from ATF described the award as "a huge honour" and said the charity was "so grateful to have been nominated."
This recognition highlights the vital role voluntary groups play in supporting young people and strengthening local communities across Essex.