Posted on 9th Dec
Newark-based charity Care after Combat has received The King’s Award for its voluntary services, writes Rachel Jones.
It is the highest award locally-based charities can receive in the UK and is considered to be the equivalent of an MBE.
Care after Combat was formed in 2014 and supports veterans in the Justice System through one-to-one mentorship from volunteer mentors, and helping veterans in custody to rehabilitate and prepare for reintegration into society following a custodial sentence.
The work of volunteers at the charity has vastly improved the lives of the veterans they help.
For example, they have been essential in reducing reoffending rates to one-fifth of the national average. This is achieved, in part, thanks to the mentors who work with veterans inside prison, and for 12 months after their release.
Sean Balfe, who volunteers with Care after Combat by offering the services of his black Labrador, Blue, as a therapy dog, said: “Winning the King’s Award was brilliant for me and Blue.
“It gives all the team and mentors recognition for their hard work.”
The charity’s chief executive, Adrian Kirk, added: “This award is a prestigious honour that the whole team of staff and volunteers at Care after Combat are thrilled and proud to receive.
“The recognition this brings to our volunteers, be they mentors, ambassadors or trustees, and the outstanding contribution they make to our charity, is wholly deserved and most fitting.
“Without the altruistic dedication of our volunteers to support our deserving veterans, many of those we assist would go without the help and encouragement they so desperately need.
“Care after Combat has delivered life-changing and, occasionally, lifesaving support to some of our most vulnerable veterans in society.
“None of this could be achieved without our critical volunteer cohort. So we celebrate their significant and selfless contribution, alongside the incredible hard work and dedication of a small team of staff, reflected in the highest order with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, King Charles II emphasised his desire to continue the award, with recipients announced annually on his birthday.
The charity will receive the award crystal and certificate from Sir John Peace, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire this winter. In addition, two representatives from Care after Combat will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in early summer, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
