A County Durham charity is celebrating the highest honour awarded to voluntary groups in the UK after its volunteers were recognised for their life-changing work supporting people and families in their town.
Foundation For Good in Consett has received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises outstanding contributions made by volunteer-led organisations.
The award will be formally presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mike Butterwick CBE, during a visit to the charity’s Trafalgar Street community hub.
During the visit, Mr Butterwick will meet volunteers, staff, service users, and community partners, and tour the charity's facilities, which include a food bank, wellbeing café, gym, and boxing facilities.
Fraser Neill, founder of Foundation For Good, said: "We are incredibly proud of our volunteers and this award is a wonderful recognition of the commitment, compassion and hard work they give to our community.
"Foundation For Good simply could not do what we do without our volunteers.
"They are the people who often greet someone when they first walk through our doors, pack food parcels, make someone a cup of coffee, support activities, help keep the building running and, most importantly, give people their time.
"We are particularly delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant will be visiting us to present the award personally.
"It will give him the opportunity to see what our volunteers actually do and, more importantly, to meet some of the people whose lives they help improve."
The Lord-Lieutenant will hear first-hand from volunteers about their work supporting people facing poverty, food insecurity, social isolation, poor mental health, disability, and other long-term challenges.
Foundation For Good takes a "strengths-based, people-first approach" informed by lived experience, behavioural science, and neuroplasticity to help individuals move from crisis towards confidence, connection, and long-term positive change.
The charity delivers immediate support through its food bank, wellbeing services, and community engagement activities, while also addressing the root causes of hardship.
Its programmes include preventative interventions using boxing, wellness, and healthy lifestyle programmes to improve confidence, resilience, physical health and emotional wellbeing, while creating positive relationships and a sense of belonging.
Jessica White, centre manager at Foundation For Good, said: "Our volunteers bring something incredibly special to Foundation For Good.
"They are part of the fabric of our community.
"Whether someone comes through our doors for a food parcel, a boxing session, a coffee, a wellbeing activity or simply because they need someone to talk to, our volunteers help create an environment where people feel welcomed, respected and valued.
"Receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a huge honour and a moment for every one of our volunteers to be proud of."
The charity works closely with schools, social prescribers, police, local authorities, and other community organisations to prevent crises and reduce escalation.
Volunteers support every aspect of the organisation, from running the food bank and café to helping deliver boxing sessions and wellbeing programmes.
Mr Butterwick praised the charity’s impact and reach.
He said: "The quality of their service is outstanding and their reach into the community around Consett is first class.
"They provide wonderful opportunities that transform the lives of individuals within the community they serve.
"They represent so much of what is wonderful across Durham – exceptional people, giving so much of themselves to help others within their community.
"They are deserved winners of this exceptional Award."
Foundation For Good’s community hub model brings services together under one roof.
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The Wellbeing Café offers an affordable and welcoming space for people to eat, socialise, and access support, while the food bank provides essential food and household support to local families.
The charity’s gym and boxing programmes offer children, young people, and adults opportunities to improve their physical health, build confidence, and form positive relationships.
Foundation For Good believes tackling disadvantage requires more than crisis intervention.
The award will be presented by County Durham's Lord-Lieutenant, Mike Butterwick CBE, at a ceremony and the official opening of the Foundation For Good Wellbeing Café on Monday, September 14, from 6.30pm to 9pm at Foundation For Good, 11-19 Trafalgar Street, Consett
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