It was an unforgettable occasion for SoundCafe Leicester volunteers earlier this month as the charity was presented with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) by Mr. Mike Kapur, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.
The Lord Lieutenant was supported by his deputies, John Aldridge and Diana Brooks - who have been integral to the KAVS assessment process - at the ceremony held in St Mary de Castro Church on 7 April.
A Kings Award is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
SoundCafe provides safe, creative spaces for those who are homeless and vulnerably housed in the city. Its sessions offer a place of welcome, acceptance and belonging and the opportunity to engage and socialise with others in a safe environment, enabling guests to develop their self-esteem, confidence and positivity whilst combatting social isolation, exclusion and loneliness.
Revd Tony Leighton, Chair of Trustees, reflected in his welcome that receiving this award was not only an amazing achievement but also recognised the support that’s been given to SoundCafe by so many people and organisations over the years.
It was a significant moment in the journey of SoundCafe, which celebrated ten years as a charity in October 2024.
Partnership has always been at the heart of the work undertaken by SoundCafe and many of its partners attended the afternoon, including Leicester Samaritans, Leicester City in the Community, Ingeus, and Leicestershire Cares.
As Patron of the charity, Bishop Martyn, took part in the celebrations, giving an address identifying the work of SoundCafe as a Bishop's Mission Order (BMO).
He also spoke of the importance of everyone having an opportunity to use their God-given gifts and contribute to the good of society.
Director of SoundCafe, Rachel Griffiths, said: “The charity is only here today due to the commitment of its amazing volunteers, and it is therefore wonderful that this award received should focus on voluntary service.”
If you would like to support the work of SoundCafe, and learn more about the charity, please do get in touch via www.soundcafe.org.uk or email rachel@soundcafe.org.uk