SATEDA receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service

SATEDA was presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service on 16th April in recognition of our work supporting women and children to be safe and recover from domestic abuse.

It was a joint celebration with fellow King’s Award winner Sittingbourne Community Radio (106.9 SFM) in Swale House, Sittingbourne, where we are both based. The Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, who presented the awards on behalf of His Majesty the King, saluted the tireless work of the volunteers who give back to their community in a wide variety of ways.

“Your passion and dedication to the women you support is clear to see,” Lady Colgrain told an audience of volunteers and team members before presenting the award and citation to SATEDA CEO Carey Philpott and chair of trustees Janet Garnons-Williams.

SATEDA’s small staff team is boosted by some 65 volunteers who work in all areas of our services, from governance to delivering support groups. Around three quarters have lived experience of domestic abuse and join after accessing SATEDA services.

Carey Philpott commented: “We’ve been blessed with over 400 volunteers over the years – some bringing their passion for change, others their professional skills.

“Through our employability programme – which works with survivors – I have seen women, some of whom started unable to make eye contact, flourish and grow into individuals who know they are valued and have a vast array of skills to offer an employer.”

SFM, which is entirely volunteer-run, received its King’s Award for providing local news, views and entertainment along with promoting community integration and wellbeing.

The King’s Awards were announced in November 2023, making them the first of King Charles’ reign. Celebrations will conclude with a reception at Buckingham Palace next month, attended by volunteer representatives from both organisations.

• You can find out about our current volunteering opportunities here.

Photo credit: Terry Mahoney