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Essex charity wins King's Award for Voluntary Service

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 18:38 · Archive

Women of Grace UK, an Essex-based charity supporting survivors of gender-based violence and FGM, has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Women of Grace UK has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, one of the UK's highest honours for voluntary work. The Essex-based charity supports women and girls affected by gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) across Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Enfield.

Founded by Rev Valerie Lolomari, herself a survivor of FGM, the charity delivers community drop-ins, coffee mornings, support groups, wellbeing sessions and workshops. These provide safe spaces where women and girls can access support, build confidence and share their experiences.

The charity also raises awareness of FGM and works with communities to improve safeguarding, ensuring those affected can access the help they need.

Rev Lolomari said the award was particularly meaningful because of the courage it takes survivors to speak about their experiences. She said: 'As a survivor, I know how much courage it can take to tell someone what has happened to you. I also know the difference it makes when the person listening believes you and gives you time. That is what we try to offer at Women of Grace UK.'

She added that the award belonged to the volunteers who deliver the charity's work week after week. She said: 'This award belongs to the volunteers who turn up week after week, put the kettle on, listen and make sure there is a place for the next woman who walks through our door. It also honours the women who have trusted us and helped shape the support we give.'

Essex charity wins King's Award for Voluntary Service
Image: Brentwood Guardian

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In this story: Women of Grace UK · Rev Valerie Lolomari · Essex · Hertfordshire · Cambridgeshire · Enfield

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