Award For Charity - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Award For Charity – THE Essex Asian Women’s Association (EAWA), a Southend-based volunteer charity founded in 2006, has received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

Award For Charity - THE Essex Asian Women’s Association (EAWA), a Southend-based volunteer charity founded in 2006, has received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

THE Essex Asian Women’s Association (EAWA), a Southend-based volunteer charity founded in 2006, has received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

This is the highest recognition for local volunteer groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE.

EAWA received the volunteers’ award for their work aiming to reduce isolation, improve mental wellbeing, support the vulnerable, whilst foster cultural harmony through social and cultural events, exercise and health classes.

Membership is open to women of all backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities.

Representatives accepted the award crystal and certificate from Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex.

Two EAWA volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025 alongside other award recipients.

Mrs Nirmal Gupta, MBE, chairperson, and Trustee, of Essex Asian Women’s Association said: “Winning the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Services is a tremendous honour for Essex Asian Women’s Association and gives us great pride.

“It recognises our dedication to supporting and empowering the local community over the last sixteen years and this award acknowledges the hard work of our volunteers who tirelessly contribute to making a positive impact in the community. We are deeply grateful for the recognition and support, and it encourages us to further our work for the benefit of those we serve.”

Ms Gupta added: “Essex Asian Women’s Association (EAWA) members and guests to our functions/trips come from all over Southend, with many coming from Westcliff, Leigh, Rayleigh, Hadleigh, as well as Shoebury, Thorpe Bay, Benfleet and Southend.

“Most of our functions are held at Eastwood Community Centre, or Balmoral Hall, or The Shagor Restaurant and our Organising Secretary, Mrs Vaishali Mantri, lives in Rayleigh.

“EAWA participation is quite well spread throughout the wider Southend area and Leigh, plus surrounding, is integral to EAWA’s activities and membership.”

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 Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday, and 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

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