We are thrilled to congratulate Avenue Child Contact Centre, a NACCC-accredited centre based in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, on receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). The award recognises the exceptional dedication demonstrated by their team of volunteers.
Equivalent to an MBE, the KAVS is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Originally launched as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the award has since been renamed to reflect His Majesty King Charles III’s reign and continues to spotlight the vital work of volunteers nationwide. Awarded for life, KAVS is a lasting recognition of excellence in voluntary service.
HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex formally presented the award and citation from His Majesty the King to Avenue Child Contact Centre’s Chair of Trustees, Joshua Coombe, and Administrator, Nicolette Coleman, during a celebration held on Monday, 14 April 2025. The event took place in the historic Mayor’s Parlour in Southend-on-Sea, a 15th-century landmark rich in heritage and civic pride.
We are honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, some of whom have been with us since we opened in 2004. They play a vital role in the centre’s success, and their unwavering commitment and mutual support ensure we continue to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where children can enjoy meaningful time with their families.
Joshua Coombe, Chair of Trustees, Avenue Child Contact Centre
Guests included trustees, management committee members, and volunteers, alongside HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, and the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Cllr Ron Woodley, accompanied by his wife.
The proceedings commenced with a welcome speech from Avenue Child Contact Centre Chair, Joshua Coombe, followed by heartfelt words from long-term service user, Ben. Ben initially attended the centre as a non-resident parent when his daughter was a baby. More recently, he has returned as the resident parent of his now eleven-year-old daughter, illustrating the centre’s enduring role in supporting family connections.
Following the presentation of the KAVS, the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea honoured several long-serving volunteers with NACCC’s Long Service Awards – a further testament to the enduring commitment of the Avenue team.
Established in 2004 and operating from Avenue Baptist Church, the centre offers supported contact services twice a month, providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and their families. More information can be found on NACCC’s website.
Congratulations once again to Avenue Child Contact Centre on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement. Your dedication is truly making a difference in the lives of local families, and we are delighted that you had a wonderful evening celebrating!