Connecting Chelford awarded King's Award for Voluntary Service

Revd Fiona explains: 'We were set up a group of befrienders in 2017, along with the local GP surgery because we noticed increasing loneliness and isolation within the community, particularly the elderly community. The volunteers went into people's homes to have a chat and do activities with them.'

'Once Covid had passed, the needs had changed and we needed to get people back out into the community, so we set up a friendship cafe once a week, we have monthly lunches. We also have a Memory Lane cafe for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, and their carers. We have also started a mums and tots group, Butterflies.'

'I do a once a month communion service at the friendship cafe, which is a new Christian community, because the people who attend there don't come on a Sunday.'

Connecting Chelford is one of 232 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.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a group of dog walkers clearing up their local area in Kincardineshire; a group providing unique flying experiences for people with disabilities in Hampshire. A group providing support to veterans and their families across Welsh Valley communities; a group running a museum and nonprofit railway In Belfast, preserving Northern Ireland's railway heritage.

Representatives of Connecting Chelford will receive the award crystal and certificate from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE CStJ in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Connecting Chelford will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Connecting Chelford is a great example of strategic thinking: Growing Connections, one of our Diocesan themes in action. It is a tremendous achievement to be given the Kings Award for Voluntary Service and is well deserved. Many congratulations, Fiona and all the team!