Bromley Brighter Beginnings has been awarded the esteemed King’s Award, equivalent to an MBE, for their exceptional work supporting families within the borough.
The volunteers from Bromley Brighter Beginnings were recognised at a special local reception, hosted by Bromley Children and Families Forum, to receive the award, which was presented by the Mayor of Bromley who offered thanks to those involved on behalf of Bromley.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the most prestigious award given to local volunteer groups across the country, recognising exceptional volunteers, and their contributions, who have made an outstanding impact to their local areas. This award is equivalent to an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and is considered the highest national award that can be given to charities.
Emma Martin, Chair of Bromley Brighter Beginnings, when discussing the award emphasised that "it is thoroughly deserved by all the volunteers, past and present, who have worked so hard to ensure that Bromley Brighter Beginnings is the outstanding community service that it is today.”
Bromley Brighter Beginnings have been operating in Bromley since 2012, having helped over 1,000 children last year alone, providing a host of provisions and support to families who need it. Through fundraising and working with partners, dedicated volunteers source and provide costly essential items like beds and kitchen appliances, while also supporting with school uniforms for families who struggle to afford these.
The reception for Bromley Brighter Beginnings was held at Bromley Old Town Hall, with each volunteer receiving an award certificate to recognise their contributions.
Samantha Britnell, CEO of Bromley Children and Families Forum, a network of local voluntary groups including Bromley Brighter Beginnings, said “when we were asked to put forward a local organisation for this award, without hesitation we thought of Bromley Brighter Beginnings. Their incredible commitment and hard work continue to make Bromley a brighter place for all families and is indicative of the incredible network of voluntary organisations we have working to support residents who need it.”
The Mayor of Bromley, Cllr David Jefferys, said: “This is an outstanding achievement and I sincerely thank all the volunteers who contribute to this important work and make such a difference to the lives of many families across the borough. While this award recognises the tireless efforts of those involved, it is also an accolade for the whole borough and speaks to the incredible range of volunteers we have, helping to improve the borough in so many ways.”
Find out more about Bromley Brighter Beginnings, including how to donate or get involved
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For media enquiries, please contact Bethany Harrison, Bromley Children & Families Voluntary Sector Forum at beth@bcfforum.org and James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.
Editors’ notes: The King’s Award was originally known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, first established in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Following King Charles III’s ascension, the award’s name was updated which marked 2023 as the first King’s Award for Voluntary Service.