On Thursday 14th November 24, it was announced that Rotherfield St Martin (RSM) has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This is the highest award a local voluntary or charity group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, King Charles’ Birthday.
RSM is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Established in 2004, RSM aims to combat isolation and loneliness for older people in Rotherfield and the surrounding areas through friendship, support and companionship. With over 100 volunteers, RSM also provides a wealth of practical help such as a volunteer driver service to get people to medical appointments, help with form filling, therapies and support for unpaid carers. But most of all RSM provides friendship.
Representatives of RSM will receive the award crystal and certificate from Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex. In addition, two representatives from RSM will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Vicky Cheeseman, Manager at RSM said: “RSM excels in bringing people in our community together in friendship and support. We are delighted to receive this award in our 20th anniversary year. This award is for anyone who has ever given a moment of their time freely to our charity.”
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