Feathers Futures Given Prestigious King’s Award
Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted to congratulate Feathers Futures on their prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
This honour recognises outstanding volunteer groups across the country and highlights the vital work that community organisations achieve through dedication, care and collaboration.
We first came to know Feathers Futures in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. At a time when uncertainty was the norm and many services were forced to close their doors, Feathers Futures refused to let local women face the crisis alone. With all their face-to-face work suddenly moved online, they approached us for support. Through emergency funding, we were able to equip their volunteers with vital IT tools that helped them stay connected with women who needed a listening ear during an incredibly difficult period.
From the start, Feathers Futures has shown a matchless commitment to women in the Borough of Great Yarmouth. They have been valued partners in our Community Voices programmes, championing health and wellbeing in local communities. Their insights have deepened our understanding of the challenges and barriers that women face, and have helped to shape more responsive and inclusive support.
Their partnership has also played a key role in distributing small grants for families through the Household Support Fund provided by Norfolk County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. Feathers Futures used their local knowledge and trusted relationships to ensure help reached those who needed it most.
Most recently, they have contributed to place-based initiatives such as Know Your Neighbourhood, which aims to reduce isolation and strengthen community ties through volunteering. Their continued work empowers women to build confidence, form connections and feel part of a supportive local network.
“We are incredibly proud to see Feathers Futures recognised with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Their commitment to women in Yarmouth is inspiring and their willingness to go above and beyond has always made them a stand-out charity. They are inspirational because they put co-design and consultation with their women at the forefront of all of their work. Whether co-designing training for the NHS or reaching out to those most at risk of isolation, they bring passion and insight to everything they do.”
Founder Jo Critch said:
“Norfolk Community Foundation has been there from the beginning. We had our first grant not long after we set up, and it’s been a consistent support all the way through. Not even just in grants, but in the support from the team for the different projects. It’s just an organisation that gets us and understands charities in the community it’s serving. And it’s so nice to work with the grants team, who just understand that we are doing really good work and getting on with it, and are happy to support that in whatever way they can.”
The Kings Award shines a light on the remarkable contribution of volunteers across the UK. Last year, we were proud to celebrate The Purfleet Trust receiving this prestigious award. Like Feather’s Futures, we have been proud to support many initiatives from this impactful charity. Feather’s Futures embodies everything that the award stands for, and we look forward to continuing our journey together for years to come.
