You are currently viewing Chichester Community Development Trust Awarded the Prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)

Chichester Community Development Trust Awarded the Prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)

Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) is very happy to announce it has been honoured with the esteemed King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest accolade awarded to local volunteer groups across the UK, equivalent to an MBE. This prestigious recognition celebrates the tireless dedication of CCDT’s 100+ volunteers, who give their time, skills, and enthusiasm to support the Trust’s extensive and vital work within the Chichester community.

CCDT is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year across the UK.  Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

Across CCDT’s 14 community assets, including Graylingwell Chapel, The Pavilion, Havenstoke Park, and the Community Garden, the volunteers contribute significantly to the rich fabric of Chichester’s community life. From maintaining historic sites to building social inclusion and making sure that those who live in and around Graylingwell Park feel connected and involved. The volunteers’ roles are as diverse as they are impactful.

In the case of CCDT, the award celebrates the incredible efforts of volunteers in various roles, including:

  • Heritage Volunteers: These volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of Graylingwell Hospital by conducting tours, hosting information sessions for visitors, and curating exhibitions at CCDT sites.
  • Events Volunteers: Working behind the scenes and on the frontline, events volunteers bring community events to life. From taking tickets to helping seat attendees, they ensure the success of comedy nights, live performances, and community gatherings.
  • Youth Volunteers: Supporting the Yoof Group, youth cooking sessions, and Discover Your Future Youth initiatives, youth volunteers’ mentor and engage with local young people, organising craft activities during half-term and holiday breaks.
  • Chatty Café Volunteers: These dedicated individuals run the Chatty Café, building an environment that reduces social isolation by facilitating warm, welcoming conversations that build community connections.
  • IT Café Volunteers: Helping bridge the digital divide, IT Café volunteers support attendees by offering guidance on using digital devices, empowering community members with basic IT skills for today’s digital world.
  • Discover Your Future: A programme to support women into self-employment, or back into employment, made possible by the one-to-one volunteer mentors who works with each participant to guide them towards a better future.
  • Trustees, Management Group and Steering Group members:  Helping to guide the charity towards a sustainable future, achieving social impacts and working towards our charitable objectives.

CCDT is celebrating this remarkable achievement at a surprise gathering on November 14, where the volunteers will be informed of this honour. In early 2025, CCDT volunteers will formally receive the award at an official ceremony.

Clare de Bathe, CEO of CCDT, expressed her appreciation: “This award is a testament to the passion, generosity, and commitment of every volunteer who contributes to CCDT’s vision for an inclusive, supportive, and thriving community. Each volunteer brings unique skills and kindness that allow us to reach more people, provide essential services, and build community spirit. We are immensely proud and grateful for every one of our volunteers – whether they occasionally deliver leaflets or are one of the integral volunteers that help us keep our spaces so warm and welcoming.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is an acknowledgment of CCDT’s sustained dedication to the community. This accolade not only reflects CCDT’s long-standing impact but also underlines the importance of volunteer-led initiatives that build strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.

Representatives of CCDT will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lady Emma Barnard, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex in 2025. In addition, two volunteers from CCDT will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. For more information about CCDT and ways to get involved or join the incredible team of volunteers, please visit www.chichestercdt.org.uk or email info@chichestercdt.org.uk.