Volunteer charities 'thrilled' with King's awards
Volunteer charities 'thrilled' with King's awards
Jon Wright; Alice Cunningham - SuffolkSat, November 14, 2026 at 6:52 AM UTC
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Pathways is on a 13-acre farm to the north of Lowestoft
Volunteers and members of a care farm in Suffolk are celebrating being given a prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service - a charity equivalent of an MBE.
The award is the highest given to volunteer groups across the UK and it is announced to mark King Charles' birthday on 14 November.
Pathways Care farm in Lowestoft was founded 12 years ago, and supports people facing challenges including mental illness or physical disability, dementia, learning difficulties or being long-term unemployment.
"I've watched friendships develop, confidence grow and people achieve things they perhaps never thought possible," said co-founder Geoff Stevens.
"I've seen first-hand just how much the farm means to the people who come here."
The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company, the Woodbridge team building a replica of the famous Anglo-Saxon burial ship unearthed at Sutton Hoo in 1939, also received the same award.
Its nomination was supported by Sir Tony Robinson who has closely followed the project's progress.
Sean McMillan, chair of the board of trustees, said: "The fact that someone outside the organisation took the initiative to nominate us makes this honour particularly meaningful.
"It demonstrates that the contribution our volunteers make is recognised and valued well beyond the Ship's Company."
More than 100 volunteers at The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company are working to rebuild the Anglo-Saxon ship across the Deben estuary from the original boat's burial site
Another Suffolk charity to be recognised with a King's Award is Dora Brown, which transforms homes for families with children in crisis in Felixstowe, Ipswich and Woodbridge.
Its work recognises that the condition of a family home can have a significant impact on the health, wellbeing and confidence of both children and parents.
Director Jo Revett said: "The award is for the volunteers... the heart of Dora.
"We would not be able to do what we do without them, so the whole of the team are thrilled that this has been recognised nationally."
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Jo Revett from Dora Brown said she was "delighted" to have received the award
St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich has also been celebrating getting the award for its bereavement walking group, Walk On.
It was started in 2021 by Dennis and Sarah Tattoo to give people who had experienced death to connect with others and find support.
"Anyone joining Walk On for the first time is welcomed and embraced, and quickly becomes part of a safe, supportive space where we can share stories and memories of loved ones as often as we wish, while enjoying the well-being benefits of walking in nature," Dennis said.
"I am incredibly proud to be part of Walk On and for the group to receive this recognition. It is a fantastic achievement and something we can all be very proud of."
The Befriending Scheme, a charity that tackles social isolation in many Suffolk towns, was also given the award.
Shirley Moore, chief executive, said she was "thrilled".
"It's a really special recognition of the commitment, compassion and practical contribution that our volunteers make every day in helping people in our communities to feel connected, included and valued," she added.
"I couldn't be more proud of the life changing work they do with the support of my amazing staff team, and would encourage more people to consider volunteering.
"Society is under incredible strain, with rising financial pressures and so many people struggling alone."
The charities will receive the award crystal and certificate from Suffolk's lord-lieutenant in the coming months.
Two volunteers from each organisation will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June.
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Charities recognised in King's volunteer awards
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Related internet links
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Pathways Care Farm
Dora Brown
The Befriending Scheme
Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk
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